Rich and Leslie Frank, the founders of Frank Family Vineyards. Source: Frank Family Vineyards.
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

  • Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has announced plans to buy Frank Family Vineyards for US$240 million (A$330.6 million)
  • The US luxury winemaker is based in California’s Napa Valley and primarily produces chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon as well as pinot noir and sparkling wine
  • TWE says acquiring the US winemaker will strengthen its position in the North American market and also give it much-needed access to luxury chardonnay products
  • The ASX-lister will use debt, cash and proceeds from its recent US$300 million (A$413 million) US asset divestment program to fund the purchase
  • Treasury Wine Estates is up 2.89 per cent at $11.58 per share

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has announced plans to buy Frank Family Vineyards for US$240 million (A$330.6 million).

The US luxury winemaker has operations in California’s iconic Napa Valley and primarily produces chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon as well as pinot noir and sparkling wine.

The ASX-lister said acquiring Franks Family Vineyards will strengthen Treasury Americas position in the US market.

Additionally, it’ll give the wine business access to luxury chardonnay products which are currently missing from TWE’s portfolio of wines.

The company will use debt, cash and proceeds from its recent US$300 million (A$413 million) US asset divestment program to fund the purchase.

Treasury Wine Estates CEO Tim Ford said acquiring the winemaker had a number of financial benefits, with the business expected to be earnings accretive post-purchase.

“This is a compelling strategic and financial investment, comfortably meeting our investment criteria and one we expect will deliver attractive growth and financial returns for TWE’s shareholders over the long-term,” he said.

“We also look forward to welcoming the broader Frank Family Vineyards team to TWE,
including their significant expertise and experience.”

Frank Family Vineyards founder Rich Frank said he and his partner were excited to join the TWE team going forward.

“Leslie and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the next chapter of Frank Family Vineyards, a business we have spent nearly three decades cultivating into a beloved luxury wine brand,” he said.

TWE expects to have completed the purchase by the end of December while the Frank Family Vineyards founders will join the ASX business on an advisor basis.

Following news of the acquisition, Treasury Wine Estates was trading up 2.89 per cent at $11.58 per share at 2:31 pm AEDT.

twe by the numbers
More From The Market Online
The Market Online Video

The ASX Today: Judo Capital crashes finance sector; strong jobs data weighs on bourse

The ASX slipped after stronger-than-expected jobs data reduced hopes of rate cuts. Judo Capital plunged more…

Bullock: Hold call doesn’t rule out further tightening, if that’s required to beat inflation

Michele Bullock has made it very clear that the Reserve Bank is still strongly considering more rate hikes, especially if it’s the only

Reserve Bank holds rates at 4.35% as inflation battle drags on

The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, warning inflation remains too high…
Global trade disruption concept with container ships blocked from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime blockade and geopolitical tension affecting international supply chain and shipping routes.

Markets rally, ASX surges as US-Iran strike preliminary deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Australian shares rallied after the US and Iran confirmed a landmark ceasefire agreement, lifting miners, banks…