Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has reached an agreement to purchase AB InBev’s New York City distribution operation.
The transaction, which is expected to close later this year, covers distribution across Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. It includes the full local portfolio of Anheuser-Busch – the US division of AB InBev – from core beers Budweiser, Bud Light, Busch Light and Michelob Ultra to Cutwater Spirits and the recently launched Phorm Energy line.
The acquired business will operate as Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co of New York. All existing employees are set to transfer to the distributor, which will continue to use the current facility in the Bronx.
Alongside the deal, Southern Glazer’s will launch a dedicated New York beverage division to support Anheuser-Busch’s portfolio, led by industry veteran Devyn Dugger as senior VP. Dugger joins from Ohio Eagle Distributing, where he was president, and has around 20 years’ experience in Anheuser-Busch’s independent wholesaler network.
The move extends Southern Glazer’s investment in “total beverage” distribution, with the company highlighting the opportunity to grow the Anheuser-Busch portfolio in a key US market. Financial details were not disclosed.
Last year, Southern Glazer’s acquired Horizon Beverage Group, boosting its US state presence to 47 with the addition of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
