Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the second largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S., and Breakthru Beverage Group (BBG), a distributor and broker of beer, wine and spirits in the U.S. and Canada, announced on Tuesday their plans to merge.
The two companies — both on Forbes’ list of “America’s Largest Private Companies” — will combine their assets and operations in a proposed merger that will allow for a greater focus on innovation and differentiation within the market, according to the press release.
“The merger of RNDC and Breakthru will create strategic opportunities that will benefit our associates and our business partners in a rapidly changing and highly competitive marketplace. Much more than a growth opportunity, we are entering this venture to create something that is different, sustainable and transformative,” RNDC President and CEO Tom Cole said in a statement. “Together, our deep bench of focused, diverse associates will bring great and unique advantages to our suppliers, our customers and the consumers who enjoy the products we represent.”
The combined company of RNDC and BBG will address key areas to provide a more agile service model for customers and suppliers across North America.
“Breakthru looks forward to joining forces with RNDC to establish an even stronger foundation of industry knowledge, talent, history and heritage,” Breakthru Beverage Group President and CEO Greg Baird said in a statement. “We see this as the launch pad to bring innovation to life and to usher in a new era for our business and industry.”
But what will this mean for hiring?
“Since RNDC and BBG will operate as separate companies until the deal closes towards the middle of next year, we will continue to operate business as usual, which includes seeking to hire the best talent possible to support our suppliers’ brands, deliver for our customers and support our overall business,” Andrew Moss, VP of Talent Acquisition at Breakthru, told ForceBrands.
The merger is expected to close toward the end of the second quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the release stated.
