Gareth Bale has taken an ownership stake in Welsh whisky firm Penderyn Distillery. The Wales captain has become a shareholder in the world-renowned Welsh brand in a partnership Penderyn chief executive Stephen Davies said was a "combination of two global Welsh brands".
Penderyn has not disclosed whether Mr Bale has invested in the company or if his equity stake is in lieu of his ambassadorial role and commitment. However, Mr Davies said the deal is a "substantial commitment on both sides".
"Gareth Bale is an ambassador for Wales as a nation all around the world, and Penderyn is renowned for world class award-winning single malts and other spirits, and is now distributed in over 50 countries. We are very pleased to create this partnership as we continue to build our brands world-wide," said Mr Davies.
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Established in 2004, Penderyn Distillery has become one of Wales’ best-known brands with a turnover expected to reach £20m in 2022. Earlier this month, the company was crowned Wales Business of the Year in Chambers Wales’ Wales Business Awards 2022.
The distillery has sites in Llandudno and Penderyn and is planning to open its third distillery and visitor attraction in Swansea next year.
Mr Bale said: “ Everyone knows how proud I am to be Welsh and so it is a privilege to be able to invest in and become an ambassador for such an amazing Welsh brand.
"Penderyn single-handedly revived whisky production in Wales and have become an international success story because of their passion for the product and commitment to quality. It’s hugely satisfying to be able to play my part in their continued success.”
Penderyn has also partnered with the Football Association of Wales for many years. Most recently it produced the Penderyn Yma o Hyd Single Malt Welsh Whisky, as part of its Icons of Wales range, which officially celebrates Wales forthcoming World Cup campaign.
Mr Davies said: "In the future, Penderyn will be producing special celebratory ‘Gareth Bale’ whiskies but for now, we wish Gareth Bale, manager Robert Page and the Welsh team and staff the very best of luck in the World Cup."
Cardiff-born Mr Bale is in Qatar for the World Cup with the rest of Welsh squad. He was won 108 caps for Wales, scoring 40 goals, and is Wales’ highest goal scorer.
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