US: Wirtz Beverage takes back Judge & Dolph control from Glazer's

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 16 October 2008

Wirtz Beverage Group has snapped up Glazer's Distributors' interest in the companies' recently-formed joint venture in Illinois.

The purchase, for an undisclosed amount, sees Wirtz Beverage retake full control of Judge & Dolph, the company said earlier this week.

"Though the venture with Glazer's was brief, it yielded great value including the addition of several new supplier lines," said company president, Rockwell Wirtz. "Our strategy moving forward is to continue focused growth by leveraging our knowledge and experience with the resources necessary, to deliver innovation and efficiency for our supplier partners."

Wirtz Beverage and Glazer's launched the Illinois joint venture in July, although Glazer's recent partnership with Southern Wine & Spirits in the US led Wirtz Beverage to initiate the move for Judge & Dolph.

"We recognise the economic pressures facing suppliers and the need to innovate and capitalise on competitive and demographic shifts in the marketplace," Wirtz added. "Our balance sheet is unrivalled by others in the industry and we are willing to make the necessary investments to deliver both here in Illinois and in our other markets nationwide."

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine