McWilliam's enters distribution deal for E&T wines

East coast wine player McWilliam's Wines Pty Ltd has entered into an agreement with the receivers of Evans & Tate Ltd for the Australian distribution of the E&T, Gnangara, X&Y and Oakridge wine ranges from September 1.

The company had earlier entered into an agreement with Pendulum Capital as a co-investor and global distributor of E&T's core products, a deal that dissolved last week.

The full text of a company announcement is pasted below

McWilliam's Wines has entered into an interim agreement with the receivers and managers of Evans & Tate for the distribution within Australia of all Evans & Tate branded wines and the Gnangara, X&Y and Oakridge wine ranges.

The interim agreement becomes effective on September 1, 2007.

McWilliam's Wines Chief Executive Officer, George Wahby, said in addition to the distribution of the brands, McWilliam's Wines will also work with Evans & Tate and McGrathNicol to drive brand development and value through a comprehensive marketing campaign.

The receiver, Peter Anderson of McGrathNicol, said the Evans & Tate brands would benefit immensely from McWilliam's Wines extensive and established Australian distribution network in both the on-premise and off-premise liquor channels.

"Pleasingly, the new distribution arrangements add significant value to the Evans & Tate business by ensuring that its brands and products are best represented in the marketplace," Peter Anderson said.

From September 1, 2007, orders for Evans & Tate branded wines, Gnangara, X&Y and Oakridge wine ranges can be placed by calling McWilliam's Wines.