Member Article

DWF advises Henkell & Co. Group on Copestick Murray deal

The Leeds office of business law firm, DWF, has advised on the Henkell & Co. Group’s 60% acquisition of UK wine importer and distributor, Copestick Murray. The ‘Project Fizz’ deal was led by partner, Mark Green.

Henkell & Co. Group is among the world’s leading sparkling wine producers and entered the UK in 2011 with the launch of its own distribution company, while Copestick Murray is one of the country’s top wine importers. The company’s portfolio includes the ‘I heart’ wine brand which has enjoyed global growth since its launch in 2010.

A main focus of the joint venture will be to develop Mionetto as a leading prosecco brand in the UK.

CEO of Henkell, Dr Andreas Brokemper, said: “The UK is the largest market for Prosecco Spumante (DOC) outside Italy and is one of the fastest growing markets for prosecco overall. This joint venture will enable us to develop Mionetto as a leading brand and we are looking forward to working with the Copestick Murray team.

“We thank Mark Green and his team at DWF for their outstanding service during the whole transaction. Their legal expertise, hard work and attention to detail, deep understanding of the food and drink sector and cross-cultural competence have enabled the parties to smoothly and efficiently close this multi-party deal. Mark advised us in fluent German on the intricacies of English law.”

Mark Green added: “We have a great deal of experience in the food and retail sector and were well placed to work with Henkell on a deal that represents growth in the sparkling wine market. The acquisition will allow the group to strengthen its offering in the UK and to grow the Mionetto brand.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Gatehouse .