The Vintner Group of Richmond, Virginia, an importer of fine wines and distributor of fine wines and craft spirits, has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Martin Scott Wines of Lake Success, New York. The transaction is scheduled to close on June 30.
Founded in 1980 as fine wine distributor The Country Vintner, The Vintner Group is among the first to have extended operations across regulated state lines and has expanded to include wholesale businesses in Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina (as The County Vintner), Georgia (as Quality Wine & Spirits) and Florida (as Stacole Fine Wines). In addition to the distribution businesses, The Vintner Group includes a national import arm called Craft + Estate, currently servicing 44 states. The American Still Life Collection, a craft spirit portfolio, was launched in 2011 and is also sold nationally.
Martin Scott Wines was founded by Martin Gold and Scott Gerber in 1990 and has earned its rank among the most trusted names in the Metro New York fine wine market on the strength of an educated and tenured sales force and commensurate superior customer service. The company will continue to trade as Martin Scott in its distributed territories and there are no staffing or operational changes scheduled.
“2013 has been a year of explosive growth for our organization. We clearly believe in a vision of a consolidated fine wine market that allows artisanal brands access to economies of scale while preserving their inherent family values. Martin Scott Wines has proven their ability to accomplish just that in the hyper-competitive New York Metro area, and we are fortunate to be able to plug into Marty Gold’s experience as we add to our reach,” said David Townsend, president and CEO, The Vintner Group.
“David Townsend, The Vintner Group and Martin Scott Wines share a common culture and are kindred spirits in the very specific sales approach required to properly service our markets. Scott and I are excited to lead Martin Scott into our next phase with the support and knowledge of a like-minded organization,” said Martin Gold, president and CEO, Martin Scott Wines.
source : winebusiness.com
