Atom Group has returned to ownership under founder Justin Petszaft. The company, which houses Master of Malt, Master of Malt Trade, Maverick Drinks, and Atom Brands, had been part of AB InBev ZX Ventures since 2018.

 

The business began in 1999 when Petszaft launched the first Master of Malt website. In 2009, the company developed its e-commerce tech platform. Further developments included Master of Malt’s trade arm, and the Atom Brands product lines, which includes That Boutique-y Whisky Company, &Whisky, and Bathtub Gin.

 

Petszaft said: “I am incredibly proud to be able to say that we are once again a fully independent and 100 per cent founder-owned business. We can now focus on growing a beautiful ecosystem comprising every link in the premium spirits value chain, which is also open to the rest of the industry as a platform and service provider.”

 

On the decision accept when AB InBev put forward a buyback proposition, Petszaft added: “…It eventually became clear that Atom was still too early in its life cycle to fit well within AB InBev and make the most of the resources available. In many ways, we were and still are much more like a startup than an established mature business with stable processes which can be easily scaled…

 

“I could not be more grateful to AB InBev for their support over the years, and their unparalleled professionalism and decency in recognising that Atom could only reach its full potential as an independent founder-lead company and facilitating the transition back to independence.”