Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill has acquired west of Scotland-based Lawrence McQueen Wine & Spirits Merchants for an undisclosed sum.
A second-generation business, Lawrence McQueen Wine & Spirits is a longstanding customer of JW Filshill. Following the acquisition its owner, Lawrence McQueen, is retiring although he will work with JW Filshill for a short period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Simon Hannah, Managing Director of JW Filshill, said: “This acquisition will provide us with a platform to further enhance our positioning within the on-trade. We are keen to diversify our business into complimentary areas and see this as an opportunity to utilise our expertise and logistics network to grow our existing on-trade business. There is considerable consolidation inScotlandamong the big on-trade operators just now and this presents opportunities for companies like JW Filshill,” he continued.”
Hannah added that the business being long-established and highly respected within the industry will also help Filshill, given its loyal customer base of bars, pubs and hotels across mainlandScotland.
Lawrence McQueen added: “The business was founded by my late father so it was a difficult decision to make. But with the trade changing at such a pace, the chance to sell the business to another family concern I have worked with for many years and have the greatest respect for presented an ideal opportunity for me to hand over the reins and let someone else develop the business to the next level.”
