Southern Glazer’s to acquire Anheuser-Busch’s New York City distribution arm
The deal will see Southern Glazer’s launch a new dedicated beverage division in New York led by industry veteran Devyn Dugger.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has agreed to acquire Anheuser-Busch’s New York City distribution operation, in a move that will establish a new beverage division covering Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx.
The transaction, announced on 20 August, will see Southern Glazer’s launch Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company of New York, taking on Anheuser-Busch’s full product portfolio in the city, including its leading beer brands, fast-growing spirits-based RTDs, and its new Phorm Energy line.
Leadership and expansion
Wayne Chaplin, president and CEO of Southern Glazer’s, said: “We could not be more excited to expand our business with Anheuser-Busch, the leading brewer and malt beverage supplier in the industry and an emerging leader in spirits and energy drinks, by acquiring their owned New York City distribution operation. We look forward to welcoming all current employees at this location to the Southern Glazer’s team and working together to grow these iconic brands.”
The company will also create a dedicated New York beverage division, led by Devyn Dugger, who joins as senior vice president. Dugger has spent two decades in the Anheuser-Busch independent beer wholesaler network, most recently as president and equity agreement manager at Ohio Eagle Distributing.
Partner Content
Mark Chaplin, president of commercial sales at Southern Glazer’s, said: “Our deep expertise, capabilities, and knowledge of the New York City market will enable us to build on the strong momentum that the Anheuser-Busch distribution team has created and further position our companies for collective growth. Through our new dedicated New York beverage division led by Devyn Dugger, we look forward to distributing these industry leading brands and offering best-in-class service in this critical market.”
Transition and continuity
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth described Southern Glazer’s as an ideal fit. He said: “Since the establishment of the three-tier system and creation of the Anheuser-Busch independent wholesaler network, we’ve placed a priority on partnering with family owned and operated businesses. That’s exactly what Southern Glazer’s and the Chaplin family represent, and we’re excited that they are joining our world-class network of independent beer wholesaler partners.”
Simon Wuestenberg, Anheuser-Busch’s chief sales officer, added: “We are confident this move will strengthen our business and we are excited to work together with Southern Glazer’s to continue to provide world-class service to our retail customers and consumers across New York City.”
The deal is expected to close later this year. Southern Glazer’s plans to retain all Anheuser-Busch Bronx employees and continue using the existing Bronx facility, ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted distribution.
Related news
America has a new favourite beer
AB InBev pledges US$300m to boost manufacturing and support US veterans
