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.

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

September 9^th, 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 .

March 25, 2024 – BuzzBallz, the iconic spherical ready-to-drink cocktail brand, has announced an agreement to partner with global spirits company Sazerac to further accelerate its growth in the US and internationally.

BuzzBallz LLC (dba Southern Champion) was founded by Merrilee Kick in 2009 as a result of her master’s degree thesis project and has remained woman-owned and family-operated. The award-winning BuzzBallz portfolio includes a wide array of flavorful pre-mixed cocktails produced in spirits, wine and malt-based formats. The brand has grown rapidly, achieving distribution nationwide in the US as well as 27 countries internationally.

“The entire Arlington team, from Vann all the way down, was connected to us and ensured the success of this exciting transaction. Unlike other advisors, they knew the industry and key players, and they delivered the perfect strategic partner for us. They fought for us, worked long hours, explained key areas of concern, and made it easy to get this deal done. I highly recommend them for anyone working in consumer goods, and especially the beverage industry,” said Merrilee Kick, Founder and CEO of BuzzBallz.

Vann Russell, Founder and Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors said, “Merrilee and the Kick family have built an amazing business, and we are thrilled to have advised them on this exciting partnership with Sazerac. We look forward to seeing the BuzzBallz brand continue to reach new heights.”

Arlington Capital Advisors acted as BuzzBallz exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

Read full press release here.

January 19, 2024 – Wachusett Brewing has been acquired by Smuttynose parent company Finestkind Brewing in a deal that will unite two legacy New England craft brewers. Founded in 1994, Wachusett became a household name in Massachusetts, with its renowned fruit beers and lively brew yards; one at its brewery in Westminster and another in Worcester. In addition to its own portfolio, the company has also produced for other well-known craft brands including Montauk Brewing.

“This is the second time we have sold a beverage business with the team at Arlington. They are of the highest integrity and brilliant at strategy, follow through and confidentiality. If you are looking for the best there is no need to look any further,” said Bret Williams, a beverage industry veteran who acquired a stake in Wachusett in September 2020.

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

September 5, 2023 – The well-known German specialty beer retailer Bierothek has formed a strategic partnership with the Haus Cramer Group, one of the largest brewery groups in Germany and known for its Warsteiner beer. Bierothek operates a network of specialty beer bottle shops and has also built a highly innovative digital online marketplace, which can reach 250 million consumers across Europe.

“We have very ambitious goals regarding the expansion of our digital business in Europe. We have already made cross-border direct sales of alcoholic beer legally possible and now want to roll out this novel sales model on a large scale,” says Bierothek founder Christian Klemenz, explaining the background to the Haus Cramer Group’s investment.

Arlington Capital Advisors assisted Bierothek as the strategic advisor in the transaction.

Read full press release here.

September 18, 2023 – SERVED, the award-winning ready-to-drink brand, co-owned by British popstar Ellie Goulding, has formed a strategic partnership with Heineken to accelerate its growth in the booming “ready to drink” (RTD) category.

SERVED was created by brothers Dean and Ryan Ginsberg and Ellie Goulding in 2020, and has since become one of the fastest growing RTD brands in the UK.

The SERVED range includes ready-to-drink cocktails and hard seltzers, made using only the finest natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, ‘wonky’ fruit, and premium spirits.

“Ellie, Dean and I always look to work with the best in the business and Arlington is just that in the premium beverage space,” said Ryan Ginsberg, Co-Founder. “The team led by Vann and Stephan have been instrumental in helping us find the right long-term partner in Heineken as we look to build a leadership position in the wider UK RTD market together.”

Stephan Pietge, Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, said “It’s been exciting to join Ryan, Dean and Ellie on their journey to build one of the highest growth beverage brands in the UK. In Heineken they have found a strong strategic partner who shares their vision and will accelerate SERVED’s growth in the booming RTD category across the UK.”

Vann Russell, Founder and Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, said “Ryan, Dean and Ellie are doing amazing things with SERVED, and we are thrilled to have advised them on this next phase of their journey. In 2018 we advised London based Logan and Bridget Plant and Beavertown Brewery on their strategic investment from Heineken, and after Beavertown grew at a 75% CAGR over four years, their sale of the remaining stake to Heineken at the end of 2022. We are proud to have helped SERVED partner with Heineken as well and look forward to seeing SERVED continue to grow and flourish.”

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

Read full SERVED press release here.

June 9, 2023 – Donnewald Distributing Company today closed on its acquisition of Ronchetti Distributing Company. Ronchetti is a third generation beer wholesaler founded by Felix and John Ronchetti in 1914. Donnewald is an Anheuser-Busch distributor located in Greenville, IL and founded in 1965 by Bud Donnewald. Now under the ownership of Mike and Bob Donnewald, the company continues to grow its relationships with its clients and other individuals in the business. The combined business will manage over 4 million cases in volume across 18 counties in central and southern Illinois. Arlington Capital Advisors, in its strategic alliance with Bump Williams Consulting, advised Donnewald on this transaction.