Wirtz Beverage acquires Luce and Sons spirits line

The recent acquisition of Luce and Sons' wine and spirits line strengthens Wirtz Beverage Group's footprint in northern Nevada, says Danny Wirtz, vice president of marketing and sales for the alcohol beverage distributor headquartered in Chicago. Wirtz Beverage Group announced the purchase on October 1.

Wirtz says the company, which operates in five states, continually seeks ways to increase its market share in areas it already serves, and the acquisition allows Wirtz Beverage to garner a larger presence on store shelves and in bars and restaurants. It also gained the rights to represent E&J Gallo Winery throughout northern Nevada, which further boosts Wirtz's presence in the region.

"The name of the game in our business is growing share of the account," Wirtz says. "It definitely gives us a deeper portfolio, especially with wine and with the anchor of Gallo. Gallo has a great retail presence."

Wirtz Beverage Group operates out of a 150,000-square-foot warehouse in Sparks. Wirtz says Luce and Sons built the facility in 2006 with expansion in mind and will not need to add to the physical size of the facility, but it will add to its workforce of 94 salespeople and warehouse staff in the area.

Wirtz says the company expects to add up to 12 additional salespeople to service the new accounts.

The acquisition is expected to go into effect on Friday.