FAIRPORT, N.Y., Oct 17, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR) today announced it has completed the acquisition of the Rex Goliath wine brand from California's Hahn Estates. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Constellation's intent to purchase the brand was announced last month.
Launched in summer 2002, Rex Goliath has become one of the most successful product launches in the wine industry, with sales exceeding more than 300,000 cases in 2004. Marketed and sold by the Pacific Wine Partners unit of Constellation Wines U.S., the brand will strengthen Constellation's premium California wine portfolio in the $7.00 to $8.99 portion of the price category.
"We're optimistic about the potential future growth Rex Goliath brings to our portfolio and how well it complements our many other excellent wine offerings," stated Richard Sands, Constellation Brands chairman and chief executive officer. "Rex Goliath has connected with consumers who have put it on a terrific growth trajectory. We will be able to provide additional growth by using our superior distribution network and routes-to-market to expand availability and ensure Rex Goliath is available wherever consumers want it. This acquisition is another excellent example of Constellation Brands' never ending pursuit of true growth opportunities that create shareholder value," Sands concluded.
Rex Goliath takes its name and label artwork from a turn-of-the-century (19th to 20th) Texas circus attraction featuring a 47-pound rooster billed as the world's largest. The "HRM" moniker used in the brand's full name, HRM Rex Goliath, stands for "His Royal Majesty."
Hahn Estates, owned by the Nicolaus Hahn Family, owns 1,200 acres of vineyard in Monterey County and is one of the leading wine producers in the region. Hahn Estates is also the proprietor of the Smith & Hook, Hahn Estates and Red Flyer wine brands. Hahn President, Bill Leigon, stated, "The development of the Rex Goliath Brand over the past three years has been one of the most phenomenal and satisfying experiences of my 32-year career in the wine industry. This opportunity affords us the ability to now focus on our core business at Hahn Estates." For additional information on Hahn Estates, please visit the winery's web site at http://www.hahnestates.com or the sales & marketing web site: http://www.wimbledonwine.com.
Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across the wine, spirits and imported beer categories. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, St. Pauli Girl, Tsingtao, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Mr. Boston, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Chi-Chi's, 99 Schnapps, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Effen Vodka, Stowells, Blackthorn, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Vendange, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Nobilo, Alice White, Ruffino, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate, Simi and Robert Mondavi Winery brands. For additional information about Constellation Brands, as well as its product portfolio, visit the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com.
SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.
Investor Relations: Lisa Schnorr, +1-585-218-3677, or Bob Czudak, +1-585-218-3668, or Media Relations: Mike Martin, +1-585-218-3669, Kevin Harwood, +1-585-218-3666; or Lisa Farrell, CWUS, +1-585-396-7184; or Sandra Coero, Hahn Estates, +1-707-578-5005