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Wine company continuing process announced in November, says CEO.
Wine maker Villa Maria, owned by Sir George Fistonich, is aiming to announce progress on a capital raise and the sale of land around the end of March, says chief executive Justin Liddell.
The company said in November it was selling 31ha of surplus land around its Auckland headquarters in Mangere and looking at raising capital to fund growth plans.
Yesterday the
Australian Financial Review reported that Villa Maria was courting trade and private equity buyers through adviser UBS, with the business said to be worth more than $200 million.
However, Liddell expressed surprise at the report, saying Villa Maria
Swiss bank UBS is reportedly looking for a new owner or investor for Villa Maria. In November, Villa Maria said it was selling off 31 hectares of land to help fund international expansion. The winery wanted to grow its brand in overseas markets, such as North America and Asia. It aimed to be one of the world’s great wine companies, chief executive Justin Liddell said at the time. He said the business, whose wine brands include Villa Maria, Vidal, and Thornbury, was also looking to raise capital from investors, and was working through its options.
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Trade and private equity buyers being sounded out for Villa Maria Estate
1 Feb, 2021 12:10 AM
2 minutes to read
Sir George Fistonich, founded Villa Maria Estate winery in 1961. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Trade and private equity buyers are being approached to either buy or invest in winery Villa Maria Estate.
Investment bank UBS has been mandated for the search and has a handful of interested parties, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review s Street Talk column.
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But a sale of the entire business would be a step up from that.
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The AFR reported that potential buyers believe it could be worth more than A$200 million ($213m), although binding bids were still a while away.
UBS asks wine types to taste test Villa Maria Estates
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Fancy affordable Kiwi plonk? Tee up a drink at UBS.
The Swiss bank is confidentially courting trade and private equity buyers for New Zealand’s most awarded winery, Villa Maria Estate.
UBS is in the market for Villa Maria Estates.
It is understood UBS is formally mandated to find Villa Maria a new investor or new owner and has a handful of interested parties counting barrels and tasting wine as part of a two part auction.
Sources said the auction was into the second and binding bid phase, and has included participation from some well known Australian private equity players to date.