Berrys buys Richards Walford

Berry Bros & Rudd. one of the world's oldest and most famous wine merchants,  has bought Richards Walford & Co, the independent shippers based in Stamford, Lincolnshire, subject to contract.

Richards Walford was set up on 1982 by Roy Richards and Mark Walford. Historically it has been a French specialist and boasts its own negociant house in Bordeaux.

John Hutton, agency director at Berry Bros. & Rudd and managing director of Fields, Morris & Verdin and Mistral Wines said:“Berry Bros & Rudd has always believed in having a strong, active presence in the UK, our home market, and the continued success of our agency division is fundamental to this long term strategy.

“Within the past eight years we have successfully merged Fields and Morris & Verdin, acquired Mistral Wines and so we are now absolutely delighted to be adding the knowledge, expertise and wines that will come with the acquisition of Richards Walford and the opportunities that lie ahead working with FMV.”

Richards and Walford said: “This will enable our customers to benefit from the greater buying opportunity that an association with FMV will bring, and give our suppliers the advantage of access to a wider marketplace.”