Charmer Sunbelt and Wirtz Beverage Agree to Merge

As CEO and president, Baird will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, and will have organizational oversight and direct management of the senior leadership team. All Company personnel will report to Baird, who will report to the board and operating committee members Charlie Merinoff and Danny Wirtz.

The operating committee will oversee the integration of the businesses, manage and direct strategic planning and play a key role in leading supplier relations. The new organization will be headquartered in New York with a corporate leadership presence in Chicago.

“The significance of these two great companies coming together is a testament to our shared values, approach and commitment to the future,” said Rocky Wirtz. “As family-run businesses, maintaining the integrity of our relationships with our employees and partners is really important,” Wirtz added.

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“We fully expect that the best practices and talent from both companies will create a superior partner for our suppliers and customers,” explained Charlie Merinoff.

The two companies share many of the same supplier partners, distributing similar brands across a geographically diverse footprint.

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The closing, which is subject to customary conditions including shareholder and regulatory approvals, is anticipated to take place in January 2016.