Fortress prepares sale of Majestic Wine
The private equity owner of Majestic Wine is exploring options to sell the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer. Preparations are understood to be at an early stage, with advisers being lined up for a potential process.
The owner of Britain’s largest specialist wine retailer is considering a sale of the business, according to a report by Sky News.
As reported by Sky News, Fortress Investment Group is drawing up plans to offload Majestic Wine almost seven years after taking control of the retailer.
Fortress acquired the company in 2019 after Majestic’s retail arm was separated from the London-listed business that had previously owned it. The investment firm is said to be in the early stages of preparing a sale process.
Sky News reported that bankers at Rothschild & Co are expected to oversee the transaction. Sources cited by the publication warned that a formal auction may not begin until early next year.
The valuation sought by Fortress remains unclear, according to the same report.
Majestic operates more than 200 stores across the UK and Jersey and employs over 1,000 people.
Strong Christmas trading for the retailer
The possible sale comes after a strong festive trading period for the business. As reported by the drinks business, Majestic recorded its best-ever Christmas trading in December 2025 and marked the tenth consecutive year of rising sales.
Retail sales at the chain rose by 0.9 per cent during the five weeks to 29 December 2025. The performance stands in contrast to the wider grocery market, where off-trade alcohol sales fell by 4.1 per cent during December, according to data from Worldpanel by Numerator.
Customer numbers in Majestic stores increased by 10.9 per cent during the period, a rise supported by the opening of five new stores during 2025.
Elizabeth Newman, retail managing director at Majestic, said the performance demonstrated “the strength of the Majestic proposition”.
“At a time when customers are moderating their alcohol spend but seeking out better quality wines, beers and spirits, it’s clear that Majestic’s differentiated product range, expert advice and market-leading service continues to be a winning combination,” she said.
Growth in premium and specialist wines
Sales data from the Christmas period also pointed to demand for higher-quality wines.
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Fine wine sales increased by 4.8 per cent year on year, according to figures reported by the drinks business. French wines rose by 4 per cent while Champagne and sparkling wines grew by 2.6 per cent.
Rosé sales increased by 5 per cent during the five weeks. English wines recorded the largest jump with sales rising 27 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, according to the drinks business.
The retailer also reported double-digit growth of 14 per cent for wines from regions including Greece, Germany, Austria and Hungary.
On-trade arm expands customer base
Majestic’s on-trade division also recorded growth during the festive period, as reported by db, Majestic Commercial added nearly 200 new gastropubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues compared with the same period the year before. The division also recorded its largest-ever week of sales to independent free trade operators.
John Colley, group executive chairman and ceo of Majestic Wine Group, described the trading period as the conclusion to a year of progress for the company.
“The excellent Christmas performance capped off a stellar year of transformation and strategic progress,” he said, according to the drinks business.
Colley added that the group had invested in several areas during the year, including the purchase of the distributor Enotria and the opening of three new Vagabond bars, one of which houses the UK’s largest Urban Winery. Five new Majestic stores were also opened.
“We’re heading into 2026 with good momentum and confidence that our strategic plan will continue to deliver growth across the Group,” he said.
Recent financial results
Financial results reported earlier this year give further context to the retailer’s position. Majestic Wine Group recorded revenue of £386.236 million in the 12 months to 31 March 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 per cent.
Gross profit increased by 2 per cent over the period. Adjusted EBITDA declined from £21.362 million to £18.098 million, while operating profit fell by 26 per cent to £16.02 million.
The drop was linked to higher customs duties, an increase in the national minimum wage, the loss of the Easter trading period and adverse weather in spring and early summer that reduced demand for bulk party wines. Costs associated with opening and closing stores also contributed.
Retail consolidation questions remain
The potential sale arrives at a time when consolidation and investment activity remain common within the drinks retail sector.
Fortress has not publicly confirmed plans to sell Majestic and the retailer declined to comment when contacted. the drinks business has also approached Fortress for comment.
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