Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Lanchester Wines acquires majority share in The Wine Fusion

Published:  19 December, 2016

Lanchester Wines hasunveiled plans to extend its networks within the global wine sector via the acquisition of London-based wine production and agency house, The Wine Fusion.

Lanchester Wines has unveiled plans to extend its networks within the global wine sector via the acquisition of London-based wine production and agency house, The Wine Fusion.

The deal will see The Wine Fusion become part the Lanchester group which is one of the UK's largest importer and wholesaler of wine and bulk wine from across the world.

Wine Fusion from will continue to be run from its offices in Borough, South-East London and founders Chris Smith and Andrew Porton will retain 40% of the business' share capital.

The pair will now work closely with Lanchester Wines' senior team, in particular Mark Roberts, head of sales, and Barney Davis, head of commercial operations.

"We see particular benefit in utilising both Chris and Andrew's flair and creativity in developing on-trend wine offerings, which will be of particular relevance for our Vintrigue boutique wine agency. As a group, this enables us to get ahead of the curve and offer more relevant wines than ever before," Lanchester Wines' MD, Tony Cleary, said.

"We've looked closely at what we need to grow as a business and over the last 24 months have invested in people, property and renewable power generation. Our investment in The Wine Fusion is the latest phase of our ambitious growth strategy and provides us with a sound platform to develop the business into the future."

The Lanchester group of companies remains privately owned by the Cleary family.

Veronica Cleary, who is a director of the group said: "With an eye to the future and evolution of our group of companies, this acquisition is very much a natural move, allowing us both to extend our networks within the global wine sector. We see this as an exciting time for our business and, indeed, the UK wine market."

Both Smith and Porton spoke about the benefit of adding Lanchester's resources.

Andrew Porton, director of The Wine Fusion, said: "This is a perfect pairing which brings only positives. While we will become part of a wider group of companies, we will continue to operate with an independent identity, which is very important to both Chris and I. It's very much business as usual at The Wine Fusion, but with more opportunity and greater resource at our fingertips."

The Wine Fusion was founded in 2008 as a boutique agency house and creator of niche-driven wines.

Smith brings experience in senior roles at Oddbins, Negociants, Champagne Lanson and Orbital Wines, while Porton, whose most recent role was Creative Director of Virgin Wines, brings extensive wine marketing expertise.

Keywords: