Mackmyra Distillery, a key player in the Swedish whisky industry, has found new life after facing bankruptcy earlier in 2024. The renowned Swedish distillery, which first filed for bankruptcy in August, has now been acquired by Lennart Hero and No. 1 Capital AB. This acquisition marks a significant turning point for the company as it enters a new chapter, aiming to build on its legacy and strengthen its position on the global whisky stage.
Background of Mackmyra’s Bankruptcy
Founded in 1999, Mackmyra holds the distinction of being Sweden’s first whisky distillery. Over the past 25 years, the company established itself as a pioneer in Swedish whisky, helping to introduce the world to a distinct Scandinavian approach to whisky production. However, despite its historical significance and industry achievements, Mackmyra faced financial difficulties and officially filed for bankruptcy on August 19, 2024.
At the time of the filing, Lennart Hero, the largest shareholder and main lender of Mackmyra, was deeply invested in the company’s future. His personal and professional ties to the distillery motivated him to act when the business faced an uncertain future. Hero’s background as a former board member gave him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the company.
Acquisition and New Ownership
On October 1, 2024, the acquisition of Mackmyra was finalized, with Lennart Hero and the investment firm No. 1 Capital AB stepping in as the new owners. NordKapital Aktiebolag represented the buyers throughout the transfer process, ensuring that the deal was completed smoothly. With the purchase finalized, Hero and his team are now focused on rebuilding the brand and securing its future.
No. 1 Capital AB is known for investing in companies that have strong potential for growth but require strategic direction and financial backing. With their involvement, the new ownership group plans to inject capital and leverage their expertise to revitalize Mackmyra.
In a joint statement released on Mackmyra’s website, Hero and No. 1 Capital AB emphasized their commitment to retaining as many of the distillery’s employees as possible. They recognized the skill and dedication of the current staff, describing them as integral to the company’s future success. The new owners expressed a desire to collaborate closely with the workforce, ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible.
Commitment to Tradition and Barrel Owners
One of the most important elements of Mackmyra’s identity has been its close relationship with its barrel owners. Mackmyra offers whisky enthusiasts and private companies the opportunity to purchase their own whisky barrels, which has cultivated a strong sense of community around the brand. The new ownership is fully committed to maintaining these relationships and honoring all agreements with barrel owners.
In their statement, the new owners highlighted the importance of these partnerships, saying that they plan to ensure that every barrel owner—whether individual or corporate—has the opportunity to bottle their whisky as per their original agreements. This commitment reinforces the company’s dedication to its loyal customer base and shows an understanding of the unique bond Mackmyra has built with whisky enthusiasts.
Plans for Global Growth
The overarching goal of the new ownership is not only to preserve Mackmyra’s legacy but to enhance its presence on the international whisky stage. Hero and No. 1 Capital AB aim to elevate the distillery’s brand by combining capital investment with strategic growth initiatives. They have set their sights on making Mackmyra an even more prominent player in the global whisky market.
Hero and No. 1 Capital AB have articulated a vision that blends the distillery’s Swedish whisky heritage with modern business strategies. By refining the brand and expanding its reach, the new owners hope to strengthen Mackmyra’s global reputation while maintaining its roots in Swedish whisky-making traditions. They aim to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation while staying anchored in the company’s core values and heritage.
A Positive Future for Mackmyra
Despite the challenges of bankruptcy, the future of Mackmyra looks bright under its new leadership. Lennart Hero’s personal connection to the company, combined with the strategic expertise of No. 1 Capital AB, positions the distillery for a successful recovery. The preservation of jobs, commitment to barrel owners, and plans for global expansion all signal that Mackmyra’s new era will be one of growth and sustainability.
As Mackmyra celebrates its 25th anniversary, the acquisition represents not just a rescue but an opportunity for renewal. The brand that helped pioneer Swedish whisky production is ready to continue its journey, with a new team dedicated to ensuring that the next 25 years are even more remarkable.
Final Thoughts
Mackmyra’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. The distillery’s acquisition by Lennart Hero and No. 1 Capital AB offers a promising future for both the brand and its dedicated employees. By retaining its workforce, honoring its commitment to barrel owners, and focusing on global growth, the new owners have laid a strong foundation for Mackmyra’s success. With fresh investment and strategic guidance, Mackmyra is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead while continuing to play a key role in the global whisky industry.
About Mackmyra
Mackmyra is a pioneering Swedish whisky distillery that has made a name for itself by combining traditional Scottish methods with innovative approaches and local Swedish influences. Founded in 1999 by a group of friends who wanted to create the first Swedish single malt whisky, Mackmyra has grown into one of the most prominent distilleries in Scandinavia, known for its distinctive flavor profiles and commitment to sustainability.
The distillery’s journey began when the founders, during a ski trip, discussed the absence of Swedish whisky on the market. This conversation led to the establishment of Mackmyra, which set out to craft whisky that reflects Sweden’s natural resources and culture. The result is a range of whiskies that often incorporate locally sourced ingredients, including Swedish barley, juniper, and peat.
One of Mackmyra’s key innovations is its use of gravity in the production process. The Gravity Distillery, which opened in 2011, is a vertical facility that harnesses gravity to move the whisky through each stage of production. This environmentally friendly approach reduces energy consumption and aligns with the brand’s focus on sustainability. The distillery is also notable for experimenting with unique cask types, such as Swedish oak, cloudberry wine barrels, and birch sap casks, which contribute to the distinctive flavors of Mackmyra’s whiskies.
Mackmyra’s core range includes a variety of expressions, from the elegant and fruity Mackmyra Brukswhisky to the smoky and robust Mackmyra Svensk Rök. The distillery also produces limited-edition seasonal releases and small-batch experiments, which explore different aging techniques and flavor profiles. These offerings showcase the brand’s creativity and its willingness to push the boundaries of traditional whisky-making.
In addition to its innovative production techniques, Mackmyra is deeply rooted in Swedish tradition. The distillery is surrounded by lush forests and pristine lakes, and this natural environment is reflected in the character of its whiskies. The local water, climate, and landscape all play a role in shaping the final product, giving Mackmyra a distinctly Swedish identity.
Overall, Mackmyra is a trailblazer in the world of whisky, blending tradition with innovation and local influences to create unique and high-quality spirits. As one of the first distilleries to put Sweden on the whisky map, Mackmyra continues to be celebrated for its bold, creative approach and its commitment to sustainability.