Food wholesaler Musgrave has acquired the brand and company assets of Drinks Inc.
Belfast-based Drink Inc was established in 2001 and has an annual turnover of £66m, with a portfolio of more than 1,000 products covering the spirits, wines, beer and soft drink markets.
The company, which will continue to trade as a standalone business, is also the exclusive agent for premium brands and wineries, including BrewDog, Dingle Distillery and Isla Negra.
“As one of the fastest growing drinks companies on the island of Ireland, Drinks Inc is an excellent strategic fit for Musgrave and will strengthen our existing offer to the market,” said Chris Martin, Musgrave chief executive.
“I look forward to Drinks Inc joining our expanding portfolio of successful brands and to supporting the business to bring it to the next level of growth.”
Kevin O’Leary has been appointed as the new business director of Drinks Inc, with owner of Drinks Inc Paul Camplisson remaining on a consultancy basis.
Camplisson added: “In a relatively short period of time, we have firmly established ourselves as one of the largest independent drinks distributors in the market.
“Musgrave will enable us to provide an enhanced service to our customers and their track record of growing successful customer-focussed businesses makes this the right move for Drinks Inc.”
The acquisition follows a £28m investment programme to open 20 additional stores and revamp 40 existing ones in Northern Ireland that was announced earlier this year.
