FAIRPORT, N.Y., and MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) today announced that Donald L. Triggs, 62, chief executive officer of Vincor International Inc., has chosen to pursue other opportunities and leave the company now that the acquisition of Vincor has been completed. In a letter to Vincor employees, Triggs applauded their accomplishments and pointed out, "... there is no doubt in my mind that Vincor will prove to be the most brilliant star in the Constellation Galaxy."
"While we anticipated Don's departure, he will be missed," said Rob Sands, Constellation Brands president and chief operating officer. "In the nearly 17 years he was with the company that he founded, Don grew Vincor into the world's eighth largest wine company. Under his leadership, Vincor was a wine retailing pioneer in Canada, an innovator that brought numerous line extensions and new products to market, and a consolidator through strategic acquisitions. Jackson-Triggs was built into Canada's largest wine brand under Don's stewardship, and Inniskillin has become a global luxury brand. Vincor is a world-class company with an all-star team that form a legacy Don can be proud of, and one which Constellation values highly as the most recent addition to its global wine family. We appreciate Don's important contributions to Vincor and Constellation will retain the culture and values he instilled throughout that organization."
Jay Wright, formerly president of Vincor Canada, has been promoted to CEO of the nation's premier wine producer and he will be responsible for guiding the company in Canada. A veteran management team responsible for the company's growth in recent years remains in place and will report to Wright. By the end of June, Constellation expects to complete the preparation of an integration plan for Vincor operations around the world, followed by implementation of the plan in subsequent months.
"Canada comprises Constellation's fifth core market, the others being the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand," explained Sands. "The Canadian wine business and market are healthy and offer long-term growth opportunities. Vincor's Canadian vineyards, wineries and employees are highly valued and we are very optimistic about the potential Canada represents."
About Constellation Brands
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: Almaden, Arbor Mist, Vendange, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Goundrey, Nobilo, Kim Crawford, Alice White, Ruffino, Kumala, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Rex Goliath, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Simi, Robert Mondavi Winery, Stowells, Blackthorn, Black Velvet, Mr. Boston, Fleischmann's, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Chi-Chi's, 99 Schnapps, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Effen Vodka, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, St. Pauli Girl, Tsingtao. For additional information about Constellation Brands, as well as its product portfolio, visit the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com .
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Constellation's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties include factors relating to Constellation's ability to integrate Vincor's business successfully and the continued strength of Vincor's relationships with its employees, suppliers and customers. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Constellation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information about risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect Constellation's forward-looking statements, please refer to Constellation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2006, which contains a discussion of additional factors that may affect Constellation's business. The factors discussed in these reports could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.
SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc. /CONTACT: Media Relations: Mike Martin, +1-585-218-3669, or Kevin Harwood, +1-585-218-3666; Investor Relations: Lisa Schnorr, +1-585-218-3677, or Bob Czudak, +1-585-218-3668, all of Constellation Brands, Inc./ /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840/ /Web site: http://www.cbrands.com / (STZ STZB)