Bibendum sells private client business

UK merchant Bibendum has sold its private client business to its non-executive director’s fine wine trading platform, Cru London, as it re-focuses on its trade service.

Managing director Michael Saunders (right) receiving the award for Drinks Company of the Year from the drinks business‘ chairman, Anthony Hawser

Managing director, Michael Saunders, described it as being part of a, “continued drive for excellence.”

He added: the strong partnership we have with Cru London means we will be able to offer a greatly enhanced fine wine proposition to our trade customers.  Our former private clients will also benefit greatly from the greater focus and dedicated service that Cru London will be able to offer.”

Bibendum will apparently retain strong connections with Cru London, which was founded by the company’s non-executive director Simon Farr.

It apparently hopes to open offices in major fine wine markets around the world, with launches in London, Hong Kong and Bordeaux already planned.

Saunders said: “Cru London is going to be a major force in the fine wine market and working very closely with them will give Bibendum access to a huge range of fine wines to sell at very competitive market prices.

“The UK’s gastronomic scene is currently one of the finest in the world and this deal will transform the service we can offer to the country’s best restaurants.”

Bibendum is fulfilling all outstanding orders for private clients including en primeur purchases.

All of its private clients with outstanding orders have been informed.