Spirits firm Beam Suntory is planning to acquire a controlling interest in gin maker Sipsmith.

Financial details and terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The deal is expected to boost the growth of Sipsmith and its London dry gin products. The firm's operations will remain in London and continue to be led by founders Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall.

"Sipsmith’s pioneering spirit and Beam Suntory’s strong routes to market around the world are a winning combination.”

Sipsmith's gin is hand-crafted in small batches and the process will continue to be the same following acquisition.

Galsworthy said: “This is a momentous occasion for Sipsmith. As leaders of the gin renaissance in the UK, we have worked tirelessly to share our gin of the highest quality with discerning sippers.

"In this new chapter, we have found the perfect partners to take Sipsmith to all four corners of the globe, and do so whilst retaining our quality gin, astonishing team and Chiswick distillery in London.

"The team at Beam Suntory shares our values and pursuit of excellence. Fairfax and I will remain fully involved in the business, working harder than ever to achieve our vision of a gin that will stand the test of time and be sipped around the world.”

Beam Suntory’s existing market position will be leveraged for Sipsmith exports.

Beam Suntory chairman and chief executive officer Matt Shattock said: “With incredible skill and passion, Sam and Fairfax have built an extraordinary super-premium gin that is synonymous with London and the utmost craftsmanship.

“We’re thrilled that Sam and Fairfax will continue to lead the business and make their gin true to their brand vision.

"Sipsmith’s pioneering spirit and Beam Suntory’s strong routes to market around the world are a winning combination.”

Founded in 2009, Sipsmith's spirits such as London dry gin, Very Junipery over-proof gin and Sloe gin are made using copper pot distillation. The firm retails its products primarily in UK.

The transaction is expected to close in next January.

Image: Beam Suntory purchases Sipsmith controlling interest. Photo: courtesy of Beam Suntory.