Southern Glazer’s to buy NYC distribution arm
Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch has agreed to sell its New York City distribution business to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will create Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company of New York, which will cover Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx.
The transaction will retain all local Anheuser-Busch employees and utilise the existing Bronx facility.
Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said: “Since the establishment of the three-tier system and creation of the Anheuser-Busch independent wholesaler network, we’ve placed a priority on partnering with family-owned and operated businesses.
“That’s exactly what Southern Glazer’s and the Chaplin family represent, and we’re excited that they are joining our world-class network of independent beer wholesaler partners.”
The new dedicated New York division will support and sell Anheuser-Busch’s entire portfolio in New York, including its spirits-based ready-to-drink brand Cutwater.
Mark Chaplin, president of commercial sales, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, added: “Our deep expertise, capabilities, and knowledge of the New York City market will enable us to build on the strong momentum that the Anheuser-Busch distribution team has created and further position our companies for collective growth.”
Southern Glazer’s New York operations will be led by Devyn Dugger, who will take on the role of senior vice-president.
Dugger is a 20-year veteran of the Anheuser-Busch independent beer wholesaler network. He began his career at Tri-Eagle Sales in Tallahassee, Florida, before moving to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
Dugger has spent the last decade at Ohio Eagle Distributing in Ohio, where he was president and equity agreement manager.
The transaction is expected to close later this year.
Southern Glazer’s, the biggest alcohol distributor in the States, has a footprint that spans 47 US markets and Canada.
Its competitor, Republic National Distributing Company, recently announced plans to exit the Californian market.
Anheuser-Busch is the American brewing arm of conglomerate AB InBev.
Earlier this month, fresh bottled cocktail company Drnxmyth shut down after AB InBev’s ZV Ventures arm cut its investment.
Related news
Houston to host inaugural Texas Cocktail Week
