In a move that will significantly increase market share and coverage, Johnson Brothers and Wirtz Beverage Group announced today a spirits brokerage partnership for the state of Iowa. Both companies have existing operations there. By bringing efforts together, the new JBW Group will be the premier spirits brokerage team in the state.
“We believe this joint venture will create great value for suppliers and customers alike,” explained Michael Johnson, chief executive officer of Johnson Brothers Liquor Company. “Both companies have very dynamic portfolios and run very strong operations. By working together we’ll be able to leverage our collective expertise and resources.”
The new JBW Group will serve as the exclusive broker for many of the industry’s top spirits suppliers beginning May 1, 2013.
“There is great strength in alliances and our companies have a strong mutual respect for each other,” noted Danny Wirtz, Wirtz Beverage Group executive vice president. “Together we have the longest history and the best relationships in the market with both customers and regulators. That’s a huge opportunity for us both.”
About Wirtz Beverage Group
Wirtz Beverage Group is one of the nation’s leading alcohol beverage distributors with operations in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin. With nearly $2 billion in annual sales and nearly 3,000 employees, the company calls the industry’s elite beer, wine and spirit distributors its partners. To learn more about Wirtz Beverage and its partners, visit www.wirtzbev.com and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
About Johnson Brothers
Johnson Brothers is a family-owned wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages distributor with headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. With over $1.5 billion in annual sales, the company has licenses in twenty-two states. Johnson Brothers has been providing world class service to customers throughout the United States since 1953. For more information, visit www.johnsonbrothers.com.
Source: Wirtz Beverage Group/Johnson Brothers