Republic National Distributing Company is planning to offload more of its operations to fellow US business Columbia Distributing and is lining up other deals for assets in other states.
Both parties have entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) for Columbia Distributing to buy “certain wine and and spirits distribution rights in Oregon and Washington”, a statement from Columbia Distributing said yesterday.
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The letter of intent also includes “an asset arrangement in Alaska”.
Columbia Distributing said it wanted to buy the assets “to support long-term continuity for suppliers and customers, while expanding Columbia’s geographic reach and operational capabilities”.
Chris Steffanci, Columbia Distributing’s CEO, added: “This LOI allows us to continue expanding our total beverage distribution model with the right strategic spirit and wine partners that complement our growth model. It’s rooted in our people and our brands – and that will continue to be our focus as we move forward.”
In March, RNDC finalised a deal to sell its operations in ten US states and Washington DC to Reyes Beverage Group.
Marc Sachs, the president and CEO of RNDC said: “Our priority remains ensuring continuity for our suppliers, customers, and employees throughout this transition.
“Columbia Distributing brings a well-established route to market and total beverage approach. We’re confident in their ability to serve these markets at a high level and are committed to working closely with their team to support a seamless process.”
In a statement sent separately to Just Drinks, an RNDC representative said the company “is currently evaluating a number of potential transactions across select markets as part of its ongoing assessment of its business and market alignment”.
A separate release from the distributor also said it had signed a letter of intent for a potential sale of operations in control states Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina and West Virginia to Martignetti Companies.
RNDC said it was also “in advanced discussions with a potential buyer” for the Plains States in the US, a group of states that include the Dakotas, Colorado and Texas.
It is also working with its “joint venture partners” in New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan around “the best paths forward”.
In its statement to Just Drinks, the RNDC representative added: “The company is also working closely with Reyes Beverage Group to complete their previously announced pending transaction, which remains on track to close by the end of May 2026 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.”
