Suntory Buys Majority of ASC Fine Wines

The Japanese move into the Hong Kong and China wine scene.

Fine wine and fine spirits can mix well in certain circumstances.

Japanese whiskey, brandy, spirits, liquors and brews as well as every-other-type-of-beverage-you-can-think-of company, Suntory Holdings, has purchased an 80% stake in Hong Kong’s ASC Fine Wines Holdings. Though no details of the deal have been made public, analysts estimate the transaction at US$55 million.

ASC has been a presence in Hong Kong since 1996, offering bottles from one hundred different wineries. Some of the best brands can be purchased through ASC, including vintages from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Gaja and Joseph Phelps.

ASC was in the market to sell and searched for an appropriate partnership for about six months before the deal was made with Suntory. Based in Japan, Suntory offers distribution networks and holdings all over the globe, as well as owning wineries in France.

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Fine + Rare Wines Opens Office in Hong Kong

Fine + Rare Wines sets up shop in Hong Kong.

Fine + Rare Wines, UK wine broker has opened their first office in the Far East. Following in the footsteps of other UK wine brokers like Farr Vintners and Berry Brothers & Rudd, it seems that Hong Kong offices are a definite necessity these days if you are dealing wine. Not surprising really, with record breaking auction results being recorded from Hong Kong wine investors, this is the hottest place to be right now.

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