Indevin completes purchase of Villa Maria Estate

Indevin New Zealand has completed its purchase of 100% of the shares of Villa Maria Estate Limited. 

In a statement, Indevin New Zealand said the transaction was settled on 30  September. Indevin entered into a conditional agreement in early August 2021 with Calibre Partners, the receivers of FFWL Ltd. 

The completion of the sale followed an extensive nine month process that was concluded by Calibre Partners and UBS after the parent company and sole shareholder of Villa Maria Estate Limited, FFWL Ltd was placed into receivership. 

Commenting on the purchase, Greg Tomlinson, the Chairman of Indevin said, “The coming together of two successful New Zealand wine export businesses supports our vision to become the leading New Zealand global wine business, spearheaded by the Villa Maria brand. This collaboration will be significant for the New Zealand wine industry and we are delighted Villa Maria will remain in New Zealand ownership.”  

The sale includes Villa Maria’s Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland wineries, vineyards, supplier agreements, the flagship brand Villa Maria as well as Esk Valley, Vidal, Leftfield and Thornbury.  

Indevin says that it had identified some time ago that, in order to achieve its ambition of being a leading player in the New Zealand wine industry, acquiring a strong New Zealand wine brand would be a crucial step.  

“We had looked at a number of wine businesses with brands over the last few years, but none provided the strategic fit of Villa Maria. We are excited by the opportunities this collaboration offers,” said Greg Tomlinson.  

“Indevin’s business is built around holding and building value for New Zealand vineyards and growers. Our strong supply chain coupled with the strength and heritage of the Villa Maria brand will create a sustainable business for the future and grow value for the New Zealand wine industry,” Tomlinson said.