UK-based Bibendum Wine has merged with wine and beer importer PLB Group to form the Bibendum PLB Group.
The new group has formed with five trading companies including Bibendum trading arms, and the Wondering Wine Company and Instil Drinks Company, which will integrate PLB's beer division.
Walker and Wodehouse Wines has also joined the group.
Bibendum PLB Group CEO Michael Saunders said: "Consolidation has been a widely discussed topic in the industry for several years as companies strive to grow in a low margin and complex market.
"By uniting the strengths of Bibendum with the strengths of PLB, and maximising the expertise within each trading company, our new group will be uniquely placed to offer customers the best possible service."
Bibendum Wine and PLB will continue to trade independently, with former focusing on the on trade business and the latter on off trade.
The merger will allow the companies to implement a targeted channel strategy.
PLB Group founder and chairman Jeffrey Fredericks said: "The two companies now join to become the UK's most powerful independent drinks company in the UK and a unique route to market for any supplier."
Image: PLB Group imports and sells wines, beers, and ciders. Photo: courtesy of suphakit73 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
