Merger forms largest America distribution firm

Southern Wine & Spirits of America and Glazer’s Inc have finalised their merger, forming Southern Glazer’s – the largest wine and spirits distribution company in North America.

Southern Glazer’s is now the largest wine and spirits distribution firm in North America

In January this year, both companies reached a definitive agreement to merge, taking on the majority of North American distribution contracts for Bacardi.

Southern Glazer’s will distribute more than 150 million cases of wine and spirits annually, and employing more than 20,000 team members with operations in 44 states plus the District of Columbia, the Caribbean, and Canada.

“We are very pleased to complete the combination of our two family-owned, industry-leading organisations,” said Harvey R. Chaplin, chairman of Southern Glazer’s.

“We look forward to building on our combined track record in providing our supplier and customer partners with exceptional service and valuable insights-from Canada to the Caribbean, and coast to coast.”

Southern Glazer’s is majority-owned by Southern Wine & Spirits Holding Company, previously the largest wine and spirits wholesaler in the US, but will be led by an executive team and board of directors composed of representatives from both Southern and Glazer’s, previously the fourth largest industry wholesaler.

“We like to say that ‘big is the new small,’ by which we mean that Southern Glazer’s new structures, resources, tools, and capabilities will serve customers and suppliers in more tailored and impactful ways than ever before,” added Wayne E. Chaplin, CEO of Southern Glazer’s.

“We have built a unified and experienced leadership team that is truly world-class, drawing from the best of both Southern and Glazer’s and elsewhere.

“In the months and years ahead, our single highest priority will be working together seamlessly to be the distributor of choice for our valued suppliers and customers.”