US: Service-Universal and Colony Liquor & Wine merge

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 7 September 2007

Two New York alcohol distributors have joined forces.

Service-Universal Distributors and Colony Liquor & Wine Distributors confirmed on Wednesday (5 September) that they have combined operations.

The newly-combined company, named Empire Merchants North, will be led by CEO Jay Andretta and COO Anthony Brongo, the former executive vice president of Service-Universal. Empire Merchants North will subsequently become a member of the Charmer Sunbelt Group.

Colony, prior to the merger, was the largest distributor in upstate New York, with distribution centres in both Kingston and Lyons and offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Kingston, the company said.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine