RNDC finalises sale of Oregon and Washington operations
Columbia Distributing has completed its purchase of Republic National Distributing Company’s (RNDC) wine and spirits distribution rights in Oregon and Washington.
In April, RNDC entered into a non-binding agreement to sell its Oregon and Washington operations to Columbia Distributing. RNDC is planning to lay off more than 400 workers in the two states as it closes several facilities.
The deal with RNDC has now been finalised, bringing to Columbia a portfolio of 850,000 additional cases across Oregon and Washington. This includes approximately 350,000 cases of spirits (confined to Washington due to Oregon being a control state) and 500,000 cases of wine.
“This is an important step forward for Columbia and for the supplier and customer partners we serve across our territory,” said Chris Steffanci, CEO of Columbia Distributing.
“Our focus has been on making this transition the right way – with discipline, care, and a strong commitment to continuity. We are excited to welcome these brands and support them through Columbia’s well-established total beverage route to market across Oregon and Washington.”
Among the suppliers joining Columbia’s portfolio are brands such as Holladay Distilling, Mingle Mocktails, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Sagamore Spirit, Sugarlands Distilling, Waterloo Gin, and William Grant & Sons.
“This transaction gives Columbia more ways to support customers, more opportunities to grow with suppliers, and more tools for our teams to win in the market,” Steffanci added. “It also reinforces the strength of our total beverage model at a time when scale, service, execution, and channel expertise matter more than ever.”
Columbia continues to work toward a separate Alaska transaction with RNDC, which is structured differently and is expected to close at a later date. Financial terms of both deals have not been disclosed.
Columbia’s CEO said the “immediate focus” would be on a “strong Oregon and Washington launch”.
He continued: “Alaska remains an important part of our broader Pacific Northwest strategy, and we look forward to continuing that work with RNDC and the Alaska team.”
Last month, Columbia Distributing agreed to buy a stake in Idaho-based Hayden Beverage Company to strengthen its Pacific Northwest presence.
In other distribution news, RNDC recently completed the sale of its assets in 11 US states to Reyes Beverage Group.
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