Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. Acquires Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC, Expanding Sales and Service in Milwaukee Area

Waukesha, Wis. (Aug. 19, 2008) – Beer Capitol Distributing Inc., a wholly-owned division of The Madrigrano Companies, has agreed to acquire beer wholesaler Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC, a move that will strengthen the beer distributor’s growing portfolio of brands offered in the Milwaukee market. With this combination the brands offered by the newly formed Miller-Coors alliance will now be more efficiently sold and distributed throughout the Milwaukee area. The deal is expected to close by Oct. 31. The combined companies will allow Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. to offer excellent sales and service to over 2,000 area accounts and will employ about 250 team members.
“The joining of these two great companies represents a strategic move that better aligns both organizations with the newly formed Miller-Coors joint venture, building upon each companies’ recognized strengths in delivering exemplary customer service and developing long-standing relationships within local operating communities,” said Aldo Madrigrano, who will serve as chairman following the sale. Mike Merriman, president of Beer Capitol Distributing Inc., will continue in that role and Dave Neville, currently the vice president of sales for Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC, will lead sales efforts. No other operational changes as a result of the sale are planned at this time.
Currently, about 95 percent of the portfolio carried by Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC are Miller Brewing Co. products including domestic brands such as Miller Lite, Miller High Life and MGD 64; import brands like Foster’s and Pilsner Urquell; specialty/craft brands Leinenkugel’s and Sparks; and non-alcoholic beers such as Sharp’s. Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC also distributes products imported by Heineken USA.
Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. represents a diverse brand portfolio of fine import brands such as Corona Extra, Modelo Especial and St. Pauli Girl Lager, as well as domestic brands including Coors Banquet, Coors Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
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“This is a joining of two great organizations and we fully intend to build on the strong consumer loyalty to the Miller brands in Milwaukee County,” Madrigrano continued. “This deal gives us long-term continuity and combines the forces of a bigger, better and stronger service organization to serve our customers and offer consumers an expanded array of top-flight brands.”
The leading import and national brands that will be serviced by Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. compliment The Madrigrano Companies growing knowledge and insight representing the exceptional craft, mainstream and premium brands made locally and elsewhere in the state by Lakefront Brewery, LaCrosse City Brewery, Tyranena Brewing Company, Capital Brewery, Minhas Craft Brewery, and Stevens Point Brewery.
Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. is owned by The Madrigrano Companies, which has been in the malt beverage business for over 70 years. Along with Beer Capitol Distributing Inc., additional wholesalers owned by The Madrigrano Companies include W.O.W. Distributing Co. Inc. and CJW Inc. The distributorships serve an eight-county area of southeastern Wisconsin including Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine and Kenosha counties. The family-owned company sells and services about 3,500 retailers.
About Beer Capitol Distributing Inc.
Privately held Waukesha-based Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. was founded in 1981 and operates offices and AN 85,000-square-foot warehouse at W238 N1777 Rockwood Dr. in Waukesha. Breweries associated with Beer Capitol Distributing Inc. include Crown Imports, Gambrinus Co. LLC, Mark Anthony Brands (Mike’s), and Star Brand Imports.
About Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC
Miller Brands was originally established as an independent distributor in July 1983. Miller Brands-Milwaukee LLC was formed as an independent wholesaler on January 1, 1994. Today, the wholesaler employs about 150 people at offices and warehouse facilities located in Wauwatosa and services over 2,000 accounts.
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