Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Completes Closing with Horizon Beverage Group

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced the successful closing of its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Horizon Beverage Group, Inc. (Horizon), one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors, including all of Horizon’s operations and wine, spirits and beer portfolio.

Effective immediately, Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will operate under the name Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company. The acquisition marks an “exciting expansion” for Southern Glazer’s, adding Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the 46th and 47th markets in its U.S. footprint, alongside operations in Canada and the Caribbean.

“With this acquisition, we’re combining Horizon’s deep regional expertise with Southern Glazer’s advanced technology and robust resources,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “We are excited to bring customers and suppliers enhanced tools, data insights, and service offerings that position us to meet and exceed their needs in these vital markets.”

Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets will operate as part of Southern Glazer’s East Region, led by Scott Oppenheimer, East Region President. “We are grateful to Horizon’s employees, customers, and partners for so many years of success, and this transition represents an even brighter future for all,” said Bob Epstein. “We’re confident that Southern Glazer’s strength and scale will not only support a smooth integration, but also create new opportunities for growth and success.”

Horizon currently employs more than 600 people, operates 800,000 square feet of warehouse space and has a fleet of nearly 100 delivery vehicles. All of Horizon’s family members and leadership team, including Co-chairmen Bob Epstein and Jim Rubenstein, will also remain in their current roles to ensure a smooth transition. The current Horizon leadership teams in both states will continue to head up operations in those markets and will work closely with Oppenheimer.

“We’re committed to maintaining the exceptional service that Horizon is known for while bringing the added benefits of being part of the Southern Glazer’s family,” said Rubenstein. “This partnership ensures stability and growth for all stakeholders and strengthens our ability to deliver value across the board.”

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a multi-generational, family-owned company with operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2024, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women.

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