Blandy's regains control of Madeira Wine Company

Published: 01 June, 2011

Symington Family Estates and the Blandy Group have reached an agreement to allow Blandy's to regain control of the Madeira Wine Company.

Symington Family Estates and the Blandy Group have reached an agreement to allow Blandy's to regain control of the Madeira Wine Company.

Maderia Wine Company produces Blandy's, Cossart Gordon, Leacock and Miles Madeiras, among others.

Symington Family Estates will maintain a minority shareholding in the MWC and the distribution of Blandy's and other MWC brands will continue through Symington's associated companies of John E Fells in the UK, Premium Port Wines in the USA and Portfolio in Portugal.

Paul Symington, chairman of Symington Family Estates said: "We originally acquired our shareholding in 1989 and there has been a fruitful and friendly partnership for over 20 years during which new methods of wine making were introduced, as well as several marketing initiatives that have helped transform the MWC.

"It is fitting that the Blandy's bicentennial should be marked by their re-acquisition of a majority holding in their family's historic island business. My family wishes to concentrate its efforts on re-building the Cockburn's Port brand and in managing our vineyards in the Douro as well as other important projects that we have in hand. The close ties of friendship between our two families are stronger than ever and we wish Michael and Chris Blandy every best wish in this new chapter of their family's history."

Michael Blandy, chairman of Blandy's said: "This investment demonstrates the Blandy Group's continued strategic commitment to the economy and society of the island of Madeira which will be complemented by continued expansion of our hotel investments both across Portugal and internationally. The association with the Symington family has been friendly and constructive at all times and I am pleased that association will continue as we move ahead."

Printer friendly version