By Scott Wright THE boss of The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has declared yesterday’s move to float on the stock market had come at a natural “inflection point” in the bid to expand the prestigious club’s global footprint. Edinburgh-based ASC floated on the junior AIM (Alternative Investment Market) listing with a market capitalisation of nearly £78 million, based on an over-subscribed offer of £1.12 per ordinary share. The float raised a total of £26m from retail and institutional investors. Further investment in stock and cask wood is now planned after gross proceeds of £15m were raised for the company from the float, which generated £11m for certain shareholders who have sold down part of their holdings.
COMPANY BUSINESS (INCLUDING MAIN COUNTRY OF OPERATION) OR, IN THE CASE OF AN INVESTING COMPANY, DETAILS OF ITS INVESTING POLICY). IF THE ADMISSION IS SOUGHT AS A RESULT OF A REVERSE TAKE-OVER UNDER RULE 14, THIS SHOULD BE STATED: The Artisanal Spirits Company plc is the holding company of the Group, whose principal operating subsidiary, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Limited ( SMWS ) trades under the Group s flagship brand The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. SMWS is the leading curator and provider of premium single cask Scotch malt whisky and other spirits for sale primarily online to a discerning global membership. SMWS has a presence in over 30 international markets.