Lancaster firm toasts successful merger

A Lancaster-based wine import and wholesale business has become one of the largest operators in the UK following a successful acquisition.

This merger, backed by a multi-million pound finance deal from Yorkshire Bank, has increased business revenue by 40 per cent and means EWGA now owns two of the five bonded warehouses owned by wine merchants in the UK.

The business has grown significantly – 10 per cent increase year-on-year – in the last decade by diversifying into multiple areas of the wine trade and expansion through the purchase of regional wholesalers and agency businesses.

The majority of this well regarded wine merchant’s stock is UK exclusive agency wines but EWGA also has its own wines produced to fulfil customer requests, provide value for money and lower its carbon footprint. A focus on providing exceptional customer service is at the heart of the operation at this people-focused company, which even features Adrian’s dog Fudge, the company mascot, on its website.

“It will, of course, take some time to integrate the businesses but we couldn’t have even attempted this process without the exceptional support and the strength of the staff we have in place. We’re fortunate to have been able to build such a strong team across the business."

Garry said: “Adrian understands the market at all levels and has demonstrated his leadership and expertise in growing this successful business. He is pragmatic but combines this with a very ambitious and determined approach. We also worked closely with Simon Mott, finance manager, and both he and his team provided great assistance in providing us with the information and confidence we needed to support the business transaction within a very short timescale."

The company was advised by Richard Rankin, corporate finance partner at Armstrong Watson Chartered Accountants, throughout the transaction process and Adrian Moeckell commended Richard and the firm on its efficient management of the deal and sound advice.