Forth Wines back in Scottish ownership after acquisition deal

DRINKS wholesaler Forth Wines has returned to Scottish ownership after being acquired from Matthew Clark by a group of senior licensed trade figures.

George Thomson, Ewen Cameron and Ian Cumming, who between them have nearly 85 years' experience in the industry, have bought the business together with finance expert Alan Cramond.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, has been backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland and a syndicate of private investors. Matthew Clark bought the business in 2001.

The new owners have a track record working for companies such as Scottish & Newcastle (now Heineken), Diageo, WaverleyTBS and First Drinks.

George Thomson, who becomes managing director of Forth Wines, said: "We have a great passion for the drinks industry. This acquisition gives us the platform to build on the already successful foundations at Forth Wines, while each taking a financial stake in the business.

"Putting our money where our mouth is greatly appeals to us all and we have found an established business that allows us to do that. Forth Wines, which will have served the trade for 50 years in 2011, was one of those rare opportunities just too good to pass up. Seeing the business return to Scottish ownership is an added bonus."

He said that over many years in the industry, the new owners had built up an intimate knowledge of the needs of customers.

"We look forward to working with the team at Forth Wines to develop the business and we are grateful to our investors who have shown faith in us and in the company."

Forth Wines supplies wines and spirits to Scottish restaurants, pubs and clubs but has UK agency and distribution rights over some wines. The company's 51 staff will automatically transfer to the new company and the business will continue to operate out of its offices in Milnathort, near Kinross.