Wirtz Beverage Group, Chicago, formed a joint venture with McLane Co. Inc., Temple, Texas, and together entered into an agreement with St. Louis-based Missouri Beverage Co.
“The dynamics of our continually changing industry require bold, dramatic moves if we are going to continue to drive value to our suppliers and customers,” said W. Rockwell Wirtz, president of Wirtz Corp., in a statement. “Our joint venture with McLane, and together our combined investment into a new state with Missouri Beverage, is a continued step in that direction.
“With our focus on technology and an institutional knowledge of the Midwest marketplace, particularly in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, we can’t think of a better place, a better time or better partners,” Wirtz added.
The deal, which is expected to close in May 2013, will bring together the expertise of two industry leaders who focus on integrating technology and logistics.
“When you can take the most advanced logistics company in the world, unite it with one of the top wholesalers in the country, and join forces with an established, respected on-the-ground distributor, you create an incredible amount of excitement and potential,” said Grady Rosier, president and chief executive officer of McLane, in a statement. “We are excited about the future and our new partners,” he added.
Missouri Beverage President Bill Reichhardt expressed similar sentiments in a statement: “It goes without saying that joining forces with these two great organizations will be a game changer. Our new partners provide unprecedented insight and industry acumen that will be critical to expanding our service and operations.”
