Berry Bros. & Rudd to Sell Japan Wholesale Business to Coterie

Berry Bros. & Rudd plans to sell its Japanese wholesale business to Coterie Holdings as the British wine merchant sharpens its focus on private clients in Japan and across Asia.

Under the agreement, the wholesale operation will transfer to The Wine Experience, a specialist fine wine importer owned by Coterie, along with the majority of producers represented by BB&R Japan. The companies said they were working together to maintain continuity of service for trade customers during the transition.

Financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, and Berry Bros. & Rudd said it will retain its Japanese private client division, which has served customers since 2008.

“Japan remains an important market for Berry Bros. & Rudd, and we are committed to building on our longstanding presence there,” said Lizzy Rudd, the company’s chair.

“This planned sale will allow us to focus more closely on our private client service in Japan and across Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. We are working closely with Coterie Holdings to ensure a smooth transition.”

Founded in London in 1698, the family-owned wine and spirits merchant opened its Japan office in October 2008. It also has offices in Hong Kong and Singapore and holds a royal warrant from King Charles III.

For Coterie, the deal marks its second major acquisition in Asia, following its purchase of Links Concept, a leading wine importer operating in Greater China, last year.

“We are delighted to welcome BB&R Wholesale Japan customers to the Coterie Holdings Group,” said Michael Saunders, Coterie’s CEO. “Our immediate priority is a seamless transition of all customers from BB&R Wholesale Japan. We look forward to serving and working with our new customers in the future.”

Coterie’s portfolio includes British wine merchants Lay & Wheeler and Hallgarten & Novum Wines, as well as Lay & Wheeler UAE. The group also owns wine lending platform Jera Wine, wine storage facility Coterie Vaults and superyacht wine supplier Global Wine Solutions.