Southern Boosts its Presence in Minnesota

Dear Client: Southern Wine & Spirits has expanded its Minnesota operations by striking a deal to acquire "certain assets" of Quality Wine & Spirits Co. The transaction is pending final agreement with an expected close date in March. Financial details were not disclosed. Recall that Southern first entered the state in 2010 by forming a joint-venture with beer distributor JJ Taylor. After "extensive discussions," Southern and Quality realized the "complementary and synergistic" opportunities in their supplier portfolios. "This transaction is