Copestick Murray acquires Free Run Wines in UK expansion

Copestick Murray has bought Wiltshire-based retailer Free Run Wines Ltd to further expand the wholesaler’s UK operations.

Robin Copestick, co-founder and director of Copestick Murray

Free Run Wines, which was established in 2001 by Charles Elms and Nicolas Bauer, was acquired by Copestick for an uncolsclosed sum on 30 November.

The Free Run Wines team has already been integrated into Copestick Murray’s portfolio.

Robin Copestick, Managing Director of Copestick Murray said: “We have an exciting and ambitious strategy which will hugely benefit from the addition of Charles, Nicolas and team.

“They have strengths with customers and supply areas which will significantly add to the ever growing portfolio that Copestick Murray has attained over the last twelve years. Nicolas and Charles built up a fantastic business and some great relationships and we are all really looking forward to working with them in the future.”

Charles Elms added “We are very excited by this development and are looking forward to being part of the Copestick Murray team with its diverse and interesting portfolio. The opportunities for our combined businesses are enormous.”

Last month, Copestick also signed a deal to acquire a controlling stake in online retailer Slurp.co.uk from SH Jones.

Robin Copestick, who will sit on the board of Slurp, said in November that the deal will allow the distributor to branch into the online retail sector, recovering losses through e-commerce.

“Our plan is for Copestick Murray to become one of the most diverse and successful wine companies in the UK,” he said. “When we heard that Slurp were looking for investment it was very clear that this was an excellent opportunity for us to play a significant part in their future.