Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”)—the largest North American wine and spirits distribution company—announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent, forming a joint venture distributorship with Jarboe Sales Company to create an integrated wine, spirits, and beer wholesaling operation serving the state of Oklahoma. The joint venture, which will operate under the name Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Oklahoma, is expected to close on October 1, 2018 when new provisions allowing grocery stores and convenience stores to sell wine and cold, full-strength beer in Oklahoma take effect.

The joint venture will significantly expand the new company’s customer base across the state of Oklahoma by more than 3,700 accounts. Oklahoma customers will benefit from access to Southern Glazer’s industry-leading data insights, combined with continued flawless, local execution from Jarboe, an established local market leader. The venture will operate a sales division that goes to market under the Jarboe name.

“Southern Glazer’s has more experience than any other distributor addressing the kind of regulatory changes that Oklahoma will be facing, similar to what’s already taken place in markets like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Washington,” said Brad Vassar, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Glazer’s. “With that knowledge, and Jarboe as our partner, I’m confident that we will be able to bring the best brands, service and value to retail customers in the state.”

“We are very excited to be able to partner with the largest distributor in the nation and get access to the extensive expertise and resources they bring to the table,” commented J.B. Jarboe II, managing partner of Jarboe Sales Company who will take on the role of General Manager of the new Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Oklahoma. “We are a family company that has operated in the state since the repeal of Prohibition, and we look forward to taking our leadership in the market to the next level by joining forces with a company like Southern Glazer’s.”

The venture will leverage Jarboe’s brand new, state-of-the-art distribution facility located in Tulsa which opened in March of this year. The new company will operate as part of Southern Glazer’s Central Region.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer retail customers in Oklahoma the broadest selection of wines, spirits and beers, with the partnership of Jarboe that has built their reputation on customer service, honesty, integrity and respect,” said Mike McLaughlin, Regional President, Central Region, Southern Glazer’s. “Combing our world-class portfolio of suppliers and highly trained salesforce with Jarboe’s outstanding local operations team and distribution capabilities will create a model of efficiency and service unmatched in the state of Oklahoma.”

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is North America’s largest wine and spirits distributor, and the preeminent data insights company for alcoholic beverages. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and the Caribbean, and employs more than 22,000 team members. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.

About Jarboe Sales Company

Jarboe Sales Company is one of the oldest wine, liquor and beer wholesalers in the state of Oklahoma. They were one of the first companies to be issued a license after the repeal of Prohibition in the state in 1959. The company was founded by Joe R. Jarboe, who was elected as the first President of the Oklahoma Wholesalers Association. His son, John B. Jarboe, who served as legal counsel for Jarboe Sales Company, assumed Joe’s ownership interest in the company following the loss of his father in 1980. In 2004, John and his son, J.B. Jarboe II, became co-owners/partners. Over the years, Jarboe Sales has continued to furnish quality liquor, wine and beer products to Oklahoma bars, hotels, restaurants and liquor stores with their original philosophy in mind; that customer service based on honesty, integrity and respect is the key to our survival and success. For more information visit www.jarboesales.com.

Source Southern Glazers