JW Filshill buys Lawrence McQueen Wine & Spirits

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 04 February, 2014

Scottish wholesaler JW Filshill is to boost its on-trade presence with the purchase of Lawrence McQueen Wine & Spirits.

Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill has bought the second generation family firm Lawrence McQueen, a longstanding customer, for an undisclosed sum.

JW Filshill supplies 163 KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England. Lawrence McQueen, who owns the business of the same name, is retiring but will work with JW Filshill for a short time to ensure a smooth transition.

JW Filshill Simon HannahJW Filshill’s managing director Simon Hannah says the acquisition of Lawrence McQueen will strengthen its on-trade presence.

Simon Hannah, managing director of JW Filshill, said: "This acquisition will provide us with a platform to further enhance our positioning within the on-trade. We are keen to diversify our business into complimentary areas and see this as an opportunity to utilise our expertise and logistics network to grow our existing on-trade business.

"There is considerable consolidation in Scotland among the big on-trade operators just now and this presents opportunities for companies like JW Filshill," he added.

Lawrence McQueen said: "The business was founded by my late father so it was a difficult decision to make. But with the trade changing at such a pace, the chance to sell the business to another family concern I have worked with for many years and have the greatest respect for presented an ideal opportunity for me to hand over the reins and let someone else develop the business to the next level."

JW Filshill has recently strengthened its on-trade presence with the recruitment of a number of specialist on-trade wholesalers. "We see this strategy aligning well with our future plans," said Hannah.

Printer friendly version