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Southern Glazer’s to buy Horizon Beverage Group
US distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has agreed to purchase Horizon Beverage Group, expanding its presence in New England.
Founded in 1993, Horizon Beverage Group is one of the largest alcohol distributors in New England.
As part of the deal, Southern Glazer’s will take on Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as the company’s wine, spirits, and beer portfolio.
Southern Glazer’s, the biggest alcohol distributor in the US, said the move would bring its total market presence in the US to 47 states. It also operates in Canada and the Caribbean.
Once the deal has been finalised, the business will operate under the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Massachusetts and of Rhode Island names, respectively.
Horizon currently employs more than 600 people, operates 800,000 square feet of warehouse space and has a fleet of nearly 100 delivery vehicles.
The current Horizon leadership teams in both states will continue to head up operations in those markets and will work closely with Southern Glazer’s east region president Scott Oppenheimer.
All of Horizon’s family members and leadership team, including co-chairmen, Bob Epstein and Jim Rubenstein, will also remain in their current roles to ensure a smooth transition.
“The Epstein and Rubenstein families have spent four generations building an exceptional business and legacy in New England that we have admired for years,” said Wayne E Chaplin, CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
“Horizon’s dedication to innovation and operational excellence, along with commitments to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, corporate citizenship, and diversity, create an ideal match for Southern Glazer’s business and culture.
“We expect all existing and new supplier partners, as well as customers, to benefit from our two companies’ strengths and expertise, and look forward to building on the great foundation already established in the valuable Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets.”
Epstein described Southern Glazer’s as the “ideal partner with the size, scale and strength” to support Horizon’s future.
Rubenstein added: “Horizon’s trading partners will gain access to Southern Glazer’s world-class commercial, supply chain, digital, and data insights capabilities. In addition, joining the broader Southern Glazer’s family provides our talented and passionate employees even greater skill development and career growth opportunities.”
The deal is subject to regulatory approval. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Earlier this year, Southern Glazer’s and US distributor RNDC were hit with a lawsuit following a complaint from online alcohol marketplace Provi.
The founder and chairman of Southern Glazer’s, Harvey Chaplin, recently died at the age of 95.
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