Arlington Capital Advisors

May 30, 2025 – Arlington Capital Advisors (“Arlington”) is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to Stone Distributing Company (“SDC”) in its acquisition by Sunset Distributing (“Sunset”), a subsidiary of Hand Family Companies (“HFC”).

SDC is one of Southern California’s most dynamic beverage distributors with a strong portfolio of craft beer, FMBs, RTDs, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. The move positions HFC, which already boasts a multi-state presence with distributorships in Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee, to significantly enhance service for beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage suppliers and customers in the region.

“We are thrilled to join the Hand Family Companies and align with their rich legacy as a family-owned organization. By combining the market strength and experience of SDC and Classic with the Hand Family’s drive to succeed in Southern California, Sunset Distributing is poised to create immense value and unlock exciting opportunities for the beverage industry for years to come.” – Brian Fried, General Manager of SDC.

“We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the ACA team on the initial acquisition and the exit of our investment in the Stone Brewing and Stone Distributing businesses and greatly benefitted from their collaborative approach and creativity.” – Jon Marshall, Partner at VMG said  

Ryan Lake, Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, advisor to SDC said, “It has been a real honor to work with the SDC team on this transaction. SDC is a wonderfully unique business and a pioneer of independent distribution in one of the most exciting and dynamic beverage markets in the world. It is fitting that the Company has found a new home with JR and his innovative team at HFC.”

This transaction marks a significant expansion for HFC, strengthening its route-to-market capabilities in Southern California and furthering its national growth strategy.

About Stone Distributing Company

Stone Distributing Company was founded in 1999 as a subsidiary of the Stone Brewing Company, to establish a route to market for the Stone brand in Southern California. In the last 26 years, Stone Distributing Company has grown to become one of Southern California’s largest and most dynamic beverage distributors. In 2022, Stone Distributing Company became a fully independent distribution company, marking a new chapter of growth across diversified emerging beverage categories in Southern California. With a deep portfolio spanning craft beer, FMBs, RTDs, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, SDC brings the very best of the beverage world to Southern California customers and consumers.

About Arlington Capital Advisors

Arlington Capital Advisors is a boutique investment bank that specializes in providing businesses in the consumer and distribution sectors with advisory services. Arlington focuses on sell-side and buy-side mergers and acquisitions, sourcing growth capital and other capital-centric strategic alternatives for businesses. Securities offered through its affiliate, Arlington Capital Services, member FINRA/SIPC.

About Hand Family Companies Hand Family Companies, founded in 1949 by Raymond C. Hand, is one of the nation’s premier beverage distributors, known for its strong partnerships and a portfolio that spans multiple states and top-tier brands. HFC is committed to innovation, service, and excellence in all markets it serves.

Stone Distributing Co.

has been acquired by
2025

April 29, 2025 – Arlington Capital Advisors is pleased to announce that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Tenzing Natural Energy in securing a minority investment from Heineken UK. This strategic partnership marks Heineken UK’s first venture into the rapidly growing energy drinks market, aligning with their commitment to diversify and innovate beyond traditional beer and cider categories.

Huib van Bockel, founder of Tenzing Natural Energy, commented on the partnership: “To take on the energy giants, we looked for a partner who could help us scale while staying true to who we are. We had interest from several global players but chose Heineken UK because they share what matters most: a belief in craft, natural ingredients, and building brands around community. They’re a family business that backs bold ideas and challenges the status quo. We’ll learn from them—but it’s still that same team, running Tenzing independently.”

Boudewijn Haarsma, Managing Director of Heineken UK, added: “This is an incredibly exciting step for us. Next to developing and stretching the beer and cider categories, which remain core to us, we are keen to selectively invest in growth markets beyond these. We’re proud to partner with a certified B-Corp company, one that has strong values, a clear vision for the category, and is totally committed to a product that is better for the consumer. We look forward to sharing valuable lessons and insights as we help grow the Tenzing brand together.”

Stephan Pietge, MD at Arlington said: “Energy drinks is one of the highest growth, highest margin categories in soft drinks. Huib and Team Tenzing have built an incredible all natural, better for you, better for the planet challenger brand to take on the likes of Red Bull and Monster. We are excited about Tenzing’s partnership with Heineken – a great match culturally, operationally and from a portfolio perspective.”

The investment aims to support Tenzing’s ongoing growth and create a collaborative relationship that leverages insights across both companies. Tenzing will continue to operate independently, with Heineken UK providing limited distribution through its network into the convenience channel.

Read full Heineken UK press release: TENZING SECURES INVESTMENT FROM HEINEKEN UK

Tenzing Natural Energy

receives a strategic investment from
2025

March 28th, 2025 — Carenbauer Distributing, LLC has acquired Waldorf Distributing, LLC, a distributor in Northern West Virginia. This acquisition expands Carenbauer’s presence in the state, improving operational efficiencies and serving more consumers Anheuser-Busch, Yuengling, and other beer and beverage brands.

Arlington Capital Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Carenbauer Distributing, LLC.

Carenbauer Distributing, LLC

Arlington Capital Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Carenbauer Distributing
2025

March 26, 2025 – Northern Monk, one of the most iconic craft beer brands in the UK, has announced a strategic partnership with Damm to accelerate growth in the UK on trade.

This partnership will allow Northern Monk to tap into Damm’s extensive on-trade distribution footprint whilst enhancing the Damm portfolio with a leading UK craft brand to compliment it’s Spanish and Japanese brands.

Northern Monk, which was recognised as one of the fastest-growing independent craft brewers in the off trade last year, has now established itself as the third-largest independent craft brewer in the UK.

Russell Bisset, Founder & Managing Director of Northern Monk said ” 2025 will see Northern Monk’s brewing capacity increase by 20%, allowing us to produce an additional 2 million pints compared to 2024. As one of the fastest growing beer brands in the off-trade, we’re excited to join forces with Damm, a best-in-class partner, to accelerate our on-trade growth too, using this increased capacity to raise awareness of Northern Monk across the UK.

Damm has achieved exceptional quality and has done some powerful work around environmental impact at-scale. We’re really looking forward to learning from their expertise as we continue our quest to become carbon neutral in our direct emissions by 2030, whilst continuing to create beer experiences that delight our consumers.“

“This is a significant milestone for us as we expand our presence and solidify our super premium beer offering here in the UK”, said Luke White, Managing Director at Damm in the UK. “Both companies share a dedication to delivering exceptional, high-quality beer to elevate consumer consumption occasions, and this agreement represents a new chapter in our mutual commitment to excellence in the craft beer sector. Northern Monk’s reputation for quality and innovation aligns seamlessly with our values. We are confident that this partnership will drive growth and success for both companies.”

Russell Bisset said: “As a founder led business, it was a real pleasure to work with Arlington who took great care in understanding our mission, purpose and values taking these carefully into consideration when advising us on the next steps in our journey and potential partners to help bring our vision to life. They were always on hand to help, down to earth but true professionals with an unparalleled knowledge of the beer industry and how to navigate it.”

Stephan Pietge, Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors said, “We have long been big fans of Northern Monk and the pioneering brand Russ, Brian and team have built with true Northern grit over the years. We are excited to have supported them and the Active Partners team on this new partnership and looking forward to seeing Northern Monk accelerate their growth across the UK and beyond.”

Northern Monk Brewing Co.

Arlington Capital Advisors acted as strategic advisor to Northern Monk
2025

September 9th, 2024 – MOTH Drinks (“MOTH”) secures investment from venture capital firm Beringea in a capital raise totalling £4.6 million, as it grows its team, expands its footprint in the UK and continues its foray in the USA.

MOTH is one of the UK’s fastest growing premium RTD brands. The brand, which now holds a 70% share of the super premium category in UK Grocery, has been growing consistently since its launch in 2021. 

Arlington Capital Advisors acted as MOTH’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

Read announcement by Beringea here .

MOTH Drinks

receives investment from
2024