LONDON—William Grant & Sons has called in Salt to handle its UK PR mandate following a competitive multi-agency review.

The assignment involves consumer and trade PR for William Grant & Sons, along with influencer relations and employee engagement. The account was previously held by Touch PR.

Agencies working on the company's individual brands — which include Glenfiddich, Grant’s, Sailor Jerry and Hendrick’s — are not affected.

"William Grant & Sons UK is a pioneering and entrepreneurial company with a great vision," said Salt CEO Andy Last. "Our team was inspired by their values and passion and is thrilled to have won them over with a different approach to comms, fresh insights and digital expertise."

In its most recent fiscal year results, for 2013, William Grant reported that profits had increased by 10%, thanks in part to Glenfiddich's position as the world's best-selling single-malt whisky.

There was also strong growth from Hendrick's gin, contributing to a 5.2% increase in turnover to £1.12bn.
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In the UK, where William Grant employs more than 1,000 people, growth has been hampered by government austerity measures, including excise duty increases.