French drinks maker Rémy Cointreau are in advanced talks to buy out the independently-owned Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay.

The news was confirmed by Bruichladdich’s MD mark Reynier on his Twitter account yesterday.

Reports suggest shareholders could pick up £25m for the award-wining whisky maker, which re-opened under Reynier’s leadership in 2001.

The move would make good market sense for the French drinks giant, who have no Scotch whisky interests.

A statement to the Paris Bourse read: “The Rémy Cointreau Group (Paris:RCO) announces that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with the shareholders of the Bruichladdich Distillery Company Ltd with a view to possibly acquiring its entire share capital.

“Founded in 1881, Bruichladdich is a renowned distiller of Premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky based on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, and is recognized by experts throughout the world for its high quality products.

“In the event of a favorable outcome of negotiations, the signing of an agreement will remain subject to information and authorization procedures in accordance with current regulations.”