First Beverage Group: News: Press Releases

May 14, 2010

Joth Ricci Joins Board of Directors of The Rising Beverage Company

Los Angeles, CA - May 14, 2010 - First Beverage Group today announced that Joth Ricci, Managing Director of Operations of First Beverage Capital, will join the Board of Directors of The Rising Beverage Company, the makers of Activate.

"The addition of Joth to Activate's Board of Directors brings a critical element to Activate's management team," said Dan Holland, President of The Rising Beverage Company. "Activate is poised for tremendous nationwide growth and Joth's very specialized experience in this area will allow us to capitalize on our potential for expansion."

"I look forward to working with Dan and the team on further development of Activate," said Ricci. "The unique delivery system combined with great taste and low calories provides an excellent platform to build upon for today and the future. They are developing a strong following in the Southwest region and we look forward to expanding that to other parts of the country."

Activate is a vitamin-enhanced water product designed to solve the problem of vitamins and nutrients losing their potency through prolonged submersion in water. The company developed and patented a unique solution in which vitamins are stored in dry powder form in a special container within the lid, then released before consumption. First Beverage made its initial investment in The Rising Beverage Company in July, 2009. First Beverage's Bill Anderson and Michael Wong also sit on The Rising Beverage Company Board.

Ricci joined First Beverage Capital in April 2010, immediately following his departure from Jones Soda Company, a publicly-traded beverage company known for its unique marketing, flavor and product portfolio. He is the former General Manager of Columbia Distributing Company in the Pacific Northwest, a position he earned after serving in several senior management positions across the beer, wine and non-alcoholic business platforms. Ricci also spent nearly a decade in various sales and marketing management positions outside of the beverage industry with McNeil Consumer Healthcare/Johnson & Johnson. He is a graduate of Oregon State University with a B.S. in business education.

***

First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland, First Beverage works with leading operators in all segments of the beverage industry. For more information, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.

May 5, 2010

First Beverage Financial Announces Successful Sell-Side Engagement with Empire Distributors

Los Angeles, CA - May 5, 2010 - First Beverage Financial, the investment banking division of First Beverage Group, is pleased to announce a successful sell-side engagement. Kahn Ventures, Inc., the parent company of Empire Distributors, Inc. and Empire Distributors of North Carolina, Inc., has sold to McLane Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. First Beverage represented Kahn Ventures and acted as its exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

"We were certainly confident in First Beverage's experience and contacts in the beverage industry," said David Kahn, President of Empire Distributors, Inc. "They really listened to us and understood our key issues as we considered the sale of our 70-year-old family business. First Beverage played a critical role in this watershed event."

"The Kahn family has run a world-class operation for over 70 years, and they've now selected an extraordinary partner to carry on their tradition of extraordinary commitment to their employees, customers and suppliers," said William Anderson, Chairman of First Beverage Group. "First Beverage was honored to advise Empire on this transaction, and we look forward to watching Empire continue to succeed in this industry for a long time to come."

Kahn Ventures and its subsidiaries are wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer in the states of Georgia and North Carolina.

McLane is a $32 billion supply chain services leader, providing grocery and foodservice supply chain solutions for thousand of convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and military locations, as well as thousands of chain restaurants throughout the United States.

***

First Beverage Financial provides investment banking and debt advisory services to beverage industry companies looking to raise capital, merge, sell or acquire another business, or structure and place complex financing. Its exclusive focus on the beverage business, coupled with its team of knowledgeable, experienced financial professionals with decades of beverage experience, provides First Beverage with unparalleled insights into the industry landscape.

March 10, 2010

Joth Ricci to Join First Beverage Capital

Los Angeles, CA - March 10, 2010 - First Beverage Group today announced that Joth Ricci, former President and CEO of Jones Soda, will join the company's private equity division, First Beverage Capital, as Managing Director of Operations. Ricci will be responsible, along with Michael Wong, the division's Managing Partner, to develop and manage the operations and strategies of the firm's portfolio companies.

"Joth's wealth of experience will be a tremendous addition to our team and our partners," said Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of First Beverage. "I am confident that his sales, marketing and distribution expertise will provide our portfolio companies with an indispensable asset. We are delighted he has chosen to become a part of our group."

"We are very excited about Joth joining our team," said Wong. "He is an outstanding operator with significant experience in beverage distribution as well as with growing beverage brands. Joth will broaden the operational resources we offer to current and prospective portfolio companies and will meaningfully enhance the value of our investments."

"I am pleased to be joining such a great team," said Ricci. "Bill and First Beverage have worked hard to put together a company that has the potential to benefit all sectors of the beverage business. I look forward to adding yet another dimension of value to that proposition."

Prior to joining First Beverage, Ricci served as Jones Soda's CEO since January of 2008 and as its President and CEO since May of 2009. He is the former General Manager of Columbia Distributing Company in Portland, Oregon, a position he earned after serving as the company's Vice President of Human Resources and Process Improvement and as Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Ricci also spent nearly a decade in various sales and marketing management positions with McNeil Consumer Healthcare/Johnson & Johnson. He is a graduate of Oregon State University with a BS in Business Education.

***

First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta and St. Louis, First Beverage works with leading operators in all segments of the beverage industry. For more information, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.

September 15, 2009

First Beverage Financial Advisors Appoints New Co-President

Los Angeles, CA - September 15, 2009 - First Beverage Financial Advisors today announced that it has hired John O'Connor as Co-President. Prior to joining First Beverage, John spent 14 years with Anheuser-Busch, where most recently he was Vice-President, Wholesaler System Development, a role in which he focused specifically on wholesaler mergers and acquisitions.

First Beverage Financial Advisors, led by current President and former GE Capital beverage banker, Sean McLaren, was formed earlier this year in response to the tightening of the credit markets and the increasing size and complexity of transactions in the beverage space.

"John's specific expertise in wholesaler M&A will be an invaluable resource to First Beverage and its clients, particularly in this time of accelerated beverage industry consolidations," said Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of First Beverage Group. "We are thrilled to have him on board."

"We are excited to welcome John to the First Beverage team," said McLaren. "In addition to his transaction experience, we believe his intimate understanding of supplier approval processes will be a significant asset to future First Beverage clients."

"Joining First Beverage gives me the opportunity to bring my beverage industry transaction and valuation experience to a company committed to providing exceptional M&A and debt advisory services," said O'Connor. "Sean and I look forward to building on the impeccable reputation Bill has already established."

Prior to joining Anheuser-Busch, John held several finance and planning-related positions with McDonnell Douglas. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Missouri in 1988 and a master's in business from St. Louis University in 1995.

***

First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. We provide trusted advice and a wide range of customized financial solutions including investment banking and debt advisory, real estate services such as sale-leasebacks and build-to-suit transactions, and private equity and venture capital investments. For more information on First Beverage, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.

September 14, 2009

First Beverage to Present "Six Best Habits" Seminar at NBWA Convention

First Beverage Group has been selected to present a seminar at the National Beer Wholesalers Association's 72nd Annual Convention and Trade Show, which begins on September 22 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

Bill Anderson, Chairman & CEO of First Beverage Group, will be joined by Sean McLaren, President of First Beverage Financial Advisors, and Rob Klugman, former Global Chief Strategy Officer for Molson Coors and current Senior Advisor to First Beverage. The three will deliver a presentation entitled "The Six Best Habits Family Operators Employ in Capitalizing Their Businesses" and will address the methods by which distributors are able to make successful acquisitions, build well-regarded teams and plan for a profitable, multi-generational future. The group will also discuss the full range of debt and equity financing solutions distributor families should consider in this difficult credit environment Ð from traditional debt financing and mezzanine financing to private equity and sale-leasebacks.

To attend, please visit NBWA's website, www.nbwa.org, to register for the convention and this educational seminar.

First Beverage is also proud to be an exhibitor at NBWA. We'll be in Booth #929 in the Octavius Ballroom. Please stop by for a visit!

First Beverage Group Announces New Management Team Members

First Beverage Group is proud to announce the addition of several new members to its management team and subsidiary companies.

The company's investment banking and debt advisory division, First Beverage Financial Advisors, and current President, Sean McLaren, are pleased to welcome John O'Connor as Co-President. John comes to First Beverage after 14 years with Anheuser-Busch, where his most recent position was as Vice-President, Wholesaler System Development. John's specific expertise in wholesaler M&A will be an invaluable resource to First Beverage and its clients, particularly in this time of accelerated beverage industry consolidations.

John Cornish has joined First Beverage Group as the parent company's Chief Operating Officer. He will also act as President of First Beverage Realty Partners, the company's real estate subsidiary. John's previous management experience with several leading finance and real estate firms, including positions as Director of Capstone Advisors' Northern California office; as Director with DB Real Estate, a division of Deutsche Bank Group; and as COO of The Braemar Group, a Los Angeles-based real estate development company will be a tremendous asset to the company and brings substantial value to the firm.

First Beverage Capital, the company's newly-formed private equity arm, welcomes Michael Wong as its Managing Partner. Michael has over 12 years of private equity experience with two preeminent private equity firms, Leonard Green & Partners and The Blackstone Group. Michael will leverage his experience to develop First Beverage Capital into the beverage industry's premier source of private equity capital. First Beverage Capital will target investments through a variety of structures, including management buyouts, recapitalizations and growth equity.

For More Information

June 29, 2009

First Beverage Invests in Activate™, A New Vitamin-Enhanced Water

LOS ANGELES - Activate™, a vitamin-enhanced functional water company, today announced that it has closed on a $3 million financing round from First Beverage Ventures, a subsidiary of First Beverage Group, and one of the Company's two co-founders, Anders Eisner. The company also announced that Dan Holland, an experienced beverage distribution executive, former vice-president and general manager of Haralambos Beverage Co. and a member of the First Beverage Advisory Council, has been appointed president of Activate.

"The investment by First Beverage is a significant milestone for Activate and enables us to accelerate our plans of expanding into additional markets and retail chains," said Anders Eisner, co-founder of Activate. "Dan Holland has the experience to make that happen, and I welcome him to the company."

"The investment also signifies a vote of confidence from a very well-respected firm in our industry," added Burke Eiteljorg, co-founder of Activate. "That endorsement, combined with Dan's expertise, will be very helpful for us as we build relationships with distributors and retailers."

First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm that provides a wide range of customized financial solutions to companies within the beverage industry.

"Activate has developed an innovative new product in the fastest growing segment of the non-alcoholic beverage segment, and we are excited to partner with them," said William Anderson, CEO of First Beverage Group. "Activate is performing well in its test markets, and we see significant growth potential for the company. Dan is a seasoned distribution executive and advisor who understands how to help up-and-coming brands grow through distribution. He will be an invaluable resource for Activate as they expand their market reach."

Dan Holland was most recently vice president and general manager of Haralambos Beverage Co., a current distributor and investor in Activate. Prior to that, he was president of Mission Beverage Co., where he spent more than 25 years. Holland has served on the distributor councils of many of the largest beverage companies in the world, including Coors Brewing Co., Heineken, Guinness, Labatt/InBev and Glacéau. He is currently on the Industry Advisory Council of First Beverage Group. Holland holds a bachelor's degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

"I am delighted to join Activate at this exciting stage," said Holland. "I look forward to working with the team as we continue to build the company and expand the brand's distribution."

About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group provides a wide range of customized solutions and trusted advice to companies within the beverage industry. Services include sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity and M&A advisory; private equity; venture capital; and private wealth management. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, First Beverage works with beverage producers, distributors, bottlers and suppliers nationwide. First Beverage Ventures is a subsidiary of First Beverage Group and invests in early stage high-growth beverage industry brands. For more information, please visit www.firstbev.com.

About Activate™
After finding that vitamins and other healthy ingredients lose potency sitting in water, the founders of Activate developed a new approach to stop drowning the vitamins in drinks. Activate employs a unique and patented design in which vitamins and nutrients are stored as powder in a chamber inside the cap. When the cap is twisted, the chamber opens, allowing the ingredients to drop into the water below. This innovative design ensures that the vitamins and nutrients stay fresh and potent. Activate offers a convenient way to get a healthy dose of the nutrients your body needs. For more information, please visit www.activatedrinks.com.

June 11, 2009

First Beverage Invests in Altamar Brands

My Dear Fellow Shareholder,

I am pleased to announce that Altamar closed two new investments in the Company this week; one from an existing investor and one from a new investor. Both investments were medium six figures and were made at our proposed valuation of $50 million.

Rocky Wirtz, President of Wirtz Beverage Group and Chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks, made his second investment in the Company. Wirtz Beverage Group represents our brands in Illinois, Nevada, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and is a major strategic partner. Rocky's son, Danny Wirtz, will join Altamar's Advisory Committee.

Bill Anderson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Beverage Group, has joined our shareholder ranks for the first time. First Beverage is a full service financial services firm dedicated solely to the beverage industry based in Los Angeles. "First Beverage is extremely excited to make this investment in Lyons Brown and his entire Altamar team", said Mr. Anderson. "We could not be more confident and believe Altamar is perfectly positioned to develop and acquire the next wave of standout spirit brands and take them to the next level, in a way that can only be done by an experienced and highly focused team like Altamar's". Bill has also been invited to join Altamar's Advisory Committee.

Up to $2 million of Altamar units remain available in the current offering that we believe represents a significant discount to the Company's true market value. Please call me at 949 295 4323 or write to me at lyons@altamarbrands.com with any questions. I value the opportunity to speak with you.

The Company continues to develop Kubler Absinthe, Right Gin and Tequila Ocho in new and existing markets across the United States and The United Kingdom. We remain very excited by the reception our luxury brands are receiving daily in a difficult economic environment. We also continue to study opportunities to expand our portfolio of brands where opportunities exist. I look forward to providing further detail on both fronts when we send you our first half numbers in August. In the meantime, please check in on altamarbrands.com or on Facebook where we are always posting our latest press.

With many, many thanks for your continuing support,

W. L. Lyons Brown, III
Chief Executive Officer
Altamar Brands

May 1, 2009

First Beverage Announces Formation of First Beverage Financial Advisors

Los Angeles, CA - First Beverage today announced the formation of First Beverage Financial Advisors, to be led by former GE Capital beverage banker, Sean McLaren, as its President. The new financial advisory group will provide debt and M&A advisory services, as well as mezzanine financing to businesses in all segments of the beverage industry.

First Beverage, based in Los Angeles, is the leading provider of real estate-based capital to the beverage industry and has historically served operators through warehouse sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions. With the addition of First Beverage Financial Advisors, the company will expand its range of services as the beverage industry continues to undergo significant change and consolidation in all three tiers.

"We formed First Beverage Financial Advisors in response to the increasing needs of beverage operators for a long-term, comprehensive financial partner with deep ties to the beverage industry," said Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of First Beverage. "Sean is one of the preeminent beverage bankers and he brings a deep knowledge of the industry and operator economics. We are both extremely excited to be able to provide this wider array of financial services to the leading operators in the beverage industry."

"I am thrilled to join the First Beverage team," said McLaren. "Bill has built an impeccable reputation in this industry and I look forward to helping him grow his existing business, as well as spearhead his group's entry into the investment banking and advisory services businesses in this space."

Prior to joining First Beverage, Sean was most recently Managing Director, Growth Markets, for GE Capital Franchise Finance. In this role, he initiated and managed GE's successful entry into the beverage finance market. Prior to GE, Sean was with two other prominent lenders in the beverage industry, Bank of America and SunTrust. Sean was the credit products officer for Bank of America's beverage finance group and served in various roles in the corporate and investment bank at SunTrust. Sean received his BS in finance in 1992 from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA in finance and accounting in 1998 from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

First Beverage and First Beverage Financial Advisors have opened a new office in Atlanta, located at 305 West Wieuca Road.

***

First Beverage Capital was established in 2005 and has become the country's leading provider of real estate capital to the beverage industry through sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions. First Beverage enters into transactions across the country with growing beverage distributors, bottlers and suppliers who are interested in preserving their capital for core operations and higher-returning acquisitions.

September 12, 2008

First Beverage Announces Partnership with Monarch Beverage on Development of a New 530,000 Square Foot Facility

First Beverage announced that it has entered into an agreement with Monarch Beverage Company for the development of its new 530,000 square foot facility in Indianapolis. First Beverage will own the new facility, and Monarch and First Beverage have entered into a strategic, long-term lease, which includes an option to expand the facility by an additional 400,000 square feet. The project is estimated at $35 million, exclusive of the expansion option.

“First Beverage Capital was by far the best source of capital for the development of our new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Phil Terry, CEO of Monarch Beverage. “With their beer industry knowledge and real estate development know-how, the First Beverage team was able to custom-tailor an unparalleled capital solution for Monarch Beveragersquos long-term growth.”

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Monarch Beverage on the development of a world-class facility that will provide an efficient platform for their future growth in the State of Indiana,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of First Beverage. “Phil Terry and the entire Monarch team are true leaders in the industry.”

“Our transaction with Monarch Beverage has been extremely complex, requiring an absolute commitment to working in unison throughout the entire process,” said Ian Marksbury, VP, Director of Acquisitions and Development for First Beverage. “Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) allowed for a significant savings, but also required extensive negotiations with City officials. The half million square foot building has been designed for a seamless expansion, nearly doubling its size while maintaining all advantages of a single facility. In addition to the building design challenges, wetlands had to be relocated, which included negotiation with local, state and federal agencies. While complex, this transaction is an example of what can be achieved when we work closely with a focused and knowledgeable client and a highly experienced general contractor.”

Monarch Beverage Company was established in 1947 and is one of the largest beer and wine distributors in the country. Their beer division serves nearly two-thirds of the State of Indiana with quality products from Miller Brewing Company, Coors Brewing Company and many of the countryrsquos best craft and import beers. Monarchrsquos wine division represents the products from E&J Gallo and many other fine import and domestic suppliers.

First Beverage Capital was established in 2005 and is the country’s #1 provider of real estate capital to the beverage industry. First Beverage provides flexible, long-term capital to leading beverage operators through sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions. First Beverage enters into real estate transactions across the country with growing beverage distributors, bottlers and suppliers who are interested in preserving their capital for core operations and higher-returning acquisitions. For more information on the company, please call Bill Anderson at 310-481-5101 or email him at bill@firstbev.com.

First Beverage Appoints New Director of Finance

First Beverage earlier this year hired Mai Lai as its Director of Finance. Prior to joining First Beverage, Mai was a Director for Weintraub Financial Services, Inc., a real estate development company based in Southern California. In that capacity, she analyzed and structured financing opportunities and acquisitions. She was actively involved in over 40 acquisitions and dispositions. Previously, Mai was an investment banker with SG Cowen in San Francisco, as well as with Merrill Lynch & Co. and Sanford C. Bernstein in Chicago. Mai holds a B.A. from Wellesley College and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California.

July 8, 2008

First Beverage to Build New Facility for Euclid Beverage for Its Future Growth

First Beverage Capital and Euclid Beverage have entered into an agreement for the development of a state-of-the-art distribution warehouse for Euclid Beverage. The facility will be built to suit the specific needs of Euclid, a Miller/Coors/All Other house that is actively growing.

This is the second transaction between First Beverage and Euclid Beverage. First Beverage purchased a facility owned by Euclid as part of a sale-leaseback transaction in 2007.

The new facility, which will have 32’ foot clear heights and seven dock-high bays, will be built on a 10-acre site about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. Groundbreaking is in mid-July, with occupancy expected in December. The new facility will have expansion capacity for another 50,000 square feet.

“First Beverage’s team has done an excellent job in helping us develop a state-of-the-art facility for our company’s growth and our company’s commitment to the Peru, Illinois community,” said Gene McEnery, President of Euclid Beverage. “During this time of intense change in the industry, our new facility will help us efficiently serve our retail customers and the Peru community, as well as deliver superior results for all of our suppliers. The First Beverage team added tremendous value to our new facility planning process.”

“We’re very excited to partner with Euclid Beverage’s superior management team,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of First Beverage. “This facility will provide an important and efficient platform for their future growth plans and their commitment to their local community and to their suppliers.”

“We expect that this transaction will be one of many new build-to-suits as leading Miller-Coors wholesalers improve their efficiencies and plan for future growth in this new environment,” added Anderson.

First Beverage Names New Board Members

First Beverage Capital has recently named Patrick G. Haden and Alec G. Nedelman to its Board of Directors.

Pat Haden is a General Partner of Riordan, Lewis & Haden, a private equity firm that invests in high-growth middle-market companies. He serves on the boards of IndyMac Bancorp (NYSE: NDE), Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK) and Bradshaw International, Inc. He graduated from USC and was awarded a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University in England. He received his J.D. from Loyola Law School.

Alec Nedelman is Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for iStar Financial Inc., a leading provider of debt and equity to commercial real estate owners. He is a former executive of Fremont Investment & Loan. A real estate and financial expert, Alec is a Fellow at the American College of Mortgage Attorneys and is the former co-head of the international real estate group at Mayer, Brown. He has written and lectured extensively on a wide range of real estate industry topics. Alec is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego, and received his J.D. from the University of California - Los Angeles School of Law.

Thompson, Marksbury Join First Beverage in Senior Roles

First Beverage earlier this year named Quentin Thompson as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining First Beverage, Quentin’s 28-year real estate finance career included serving as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of several privately held and publicly traded companies primarily in real estate, including residential developer KB Home, office properties owner Younan Properties, Inc., commercial real estate brokerage Colliers Seeley International, and mall owner and operator Westfield Corporation.

Ian Marksbury has joined First Beverage as Vice-President, Director of Acquisitions. Ian has more than 20 years’ experience in real estate acquisitions, development and asset management. Prior to First Beverage, he was General Director of Eastfire Holding Company, an international real estate investment firm. Additionally, he played key roles at First Industrial Realty Trust, one of the nation’s largest owners and operators of industrial property; Dynamic Builders, Inc., a specialist in build-to-suit design and construction; and Realty Income, Inc., which acquires and manages single-tenant properties across the country. Ian has managed over 75 sale-leaseback transactions and over 50 build-to-suit transactions.

January 11, 2008

Marion Glover Joins First Beverage Capital’s Industry Advisory Council

First Beverage Capital announced today that Marion B. Glover, President of Atlanta-based Glover Capital, Inc., has joined First Beverage’s Industry Advisory Council.

First Beverage, based in Los Angeles, is focused on becoming the top provider of capital to the beverage industry through property sale-leasebacks. First Beverage enters into real estate transactions across the U.S. with growing, long-term beverage operators who are interested in preserving their capital for core operations and higher-returning acquisitions.

“There’s only one Marion Glover in the soft drink industry, and we are very proud to have him on our team,” said Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of First Beverage. “Marion’s insight is invaluable to us and to our customers as we expand our business development efforts to key operators in the non-alcoholic segment of the beverage industry.”

“Several major trends have created a strong need for the service and product opportunity offered by First Beverage Capital,” said Glover. “Among other things, working capital needs have grown substantially for inventory requirements due to the multitude of new products and the much higher costs of these products. In a similar fashion, the increase in new products has challenged bottlers’ distribution and warehouse needs.”

“Now is a good time for bottlers to look at alternatives to the ownership of real estate assets since there is a major need to generate cash for higher-return business opportunities and other ownership needs,” added Glover.

Glover Capital provides mergers and acquisitions advice to soft drink bottlers and other beverage businesses. The firm has completed more than 65 beverage industry transactions. In 2007 alone, Glover was involved in negotiating a merger among three Coca-Cola bottlers in Germany and Atlanta; the sale of Southeast-Atlantic Beverage Corporation to Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group; the sale of Big Red, Ltd.; and the sale of several brands owned by The Monarch Beverage Company Inc.

December 17, 2007

First Beverage Acquires Two Texas Warehouses

First Beverage Capital closed recently on the purchase of two Texas beer distribution warehouses for KEG 1, LLC, which has acquired the operations of Permian Distributing Company. The warehouse facilities are located in Odessa and Alpine, Texas.

Formed in 2006 by 11 leading, primarily Miller-Coors distributors, KEG 1 is focused on the strategic acquisition of beer distributorships across the country.

“Our partnership with First Beverage has enabled us to enhance seller options, cash flow and expedite the overall transaction,” said Jeff Popkin, KEG 1’s Chief Executive Officer. “First Beverage demonstrated excellent real estate knowledge and a complete ‘can do’ attitude. We look forward to working with First Beverage on our next acquisition.”

“We are very pleased to partner with KEG 1 on this transaction,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of First Beverage. “This group of top distributors epitomizes a strong and highly strategic focus on growth and leadership in this highly competitive environment. We look forward to partnering with them again.”

October 12, 2007

First Beverage Acquires Warehouse in Illinois

First Beverage Capital, formerly National Beverage Properties, purchased a 52,000 square foot warehouse in Illinois operated by Euclid Beverage, Ltd. This is First Beverage’s fifth acquisition this year and increases our total properties to over 1.1 million square feet throughout seven states. Euclid Beverage will lease the facility back from First Beverage on a triple-net basis for up to 30 years.

Owned by the McEnery family and headquartered in suburban Chicago, Euclid is a Miller/Coors/All Other house and is actively growing, having acquired three distributorships this year.

“Euclid Beverage is a growth-oriented distributor actively making investments in their future,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of First Beverage. “We’re extremely pleased to be a partner with them in their future growth.”

“In making our decision between several capital partners, we were most impressed by First Beverage’s in-depth knowledge of our business and their reputation within the beverage industry,” said Gene McEnery, President of Euclid Beverage Ltd.

First Beverage Names Three New Industry Advisory Council Members

First Beverage’s Industry Advisory Council has three new members: Greg Ellis and Ned Bauhof of Precision Distribution Consulting, Inc. and international business consultant and former Seagram executive Jon Silverman. Ellis and Bauhof are founders and principals of PDC, which specializes in the design of engineering solutions for beverage distribution warehouses. Silverman, principal of Tilis Products, Inc., has decades of experience in the food and beverage business, having held senior positions at Seagram and Grupo Empresarial Bavaria, among other organizations. “Greg, Ned and Jon are respected leaders in the industry,” said Bill Anderson. “Our company will benefit from their strategic guidance and support, as will our customers.”

“I’m pleased to be a part of the IAC,” said Greg Ellis. “I believe the diversity of expertise brought forth by the members offers the most comprehensive solution to our customers.”

June 4, 2007

NBP Acquires $26 Million Beer Distribution Facility in Phoenix

National Beverage Properties announced today that it has closed on the purchase of the 250,000 square foot Crescent Crown Distributing warehouse in Phoenix, AZ. This increases NBP’s portfolio to over one million square feet of beverage warehouse space and is its fourth acquisition this year.

Built by the Pearce family, the property is currently occupied by Crescent Crown Distributing as a result of their 2004 purchase of Pearce Beverage Company. “The Pearce family built a world-class facility in terms of its functionality, quality of construction, access to rail and overall location. It’s one of the best sites in the beverage distribution world, and we’re very excited to start a relationship with Crescent Crown, one of the standout Miller/Coors/All Other houses in the beer industry,” said Bill Anderson, NBP Chairman and CEO.

“Partnering with Bill and his team at National Beverage Properties is the best solution Crescent Crown could have asked for to address our real estate needs here in the Phoenix market,” said James R. Moffett, President, Crescent Crown Distributing. “As the Phoenix metro market continues to expand exponentially, Crescent Crown is going to need a real estate partner that not only understands the beer business but is flexible and well capitalized enough to provide our warehousing and office solutions over the next five to 10 years.”

“If you’re in the beverage distribution business and looking to free up capital to build brands or fund an acquisition strategy by tapping the value of your real estate assets, National Beverage Properties has both the real estate and beverage distribution know-how to be the logical choice as your real estate partner,” added Moffett.

Brennan Ochs, NBP’s Vice-President, Director of Acquisitions, noted that Phoenix is a very attractive market in which to own industrial property. “The local market has experienced record sales volume and historically low vacancies due to a lack of developable land, increases in construction costs and an ever-expanding entitlement process,” Ochs said. “All of these factors bode well for our ownership of the property.”

NBP’s New Company Name: First Beverage Capital

In July NBP will change its name to First Beverage Capital, reflecting the company’s 100% dedication to providing real estate-based capital to the beverage industry. “The First Beverage brand will make a powerful statement about what we do, how we operate, our aspirations for our beverage partners and our market position,” said Anderson.

April 23, 2007

NBP Acquires AB Wholesaler Facility

National Beverage Properties announced today that it has closed on a sale-leaseback transaction for a 94,000 square foot beverage distribution warehouse with Crown Distributing Co., Inc. (Crown) of Arlington, WA. Crown will lease the property back from NBP on a triple-net lease basis for up to 30 years. This sale-leaseback marks NBP’s sixth acquisition and its first partnership with an Anheuser-Busch (AB) wholesaler.

“NBP’s knowledge of the beer industry and expertise in real estate allowed them to deliver an unmatched proposal,” said Peter Bargreen, President and CEO of Crown. “The NBP team then worked to quickly close the transaction without any headaches or red tape. By working with them, we not only freed up capital for additional brand and territory acquisitions, but we also gained an industry-wise partner.” Crown’s product portfolio includes AB, Corona, Redhook, Widmer, Rolling Rock, Monster and InBev.

“Crown’s acquisition plans fit perfectly with our business model of providing growth capital to wholesalers,” said Bill Anderson, NBP’s Chairman and CEO. “We are very excited to partner with Peter and his excellent team and to play a part in his continued growth.”

“Investor demand for industrial properties in the greater Seattle area topped $2 billion in the past 18 months, with nearly seven million square feet of new construction,” said Brennan Ochs, NBP’s Vice-President, Director of Acquisitions. “We were comfortable paying top dollar in this attractive real estate market and to provide Crown with the opportunity to take advantage of historically high prices.”

National Beverage Properties Announces Key Promotion

NBP is pleased to announce the promotion of Brennan Ochs to Vice-President, Director of Acquisitions. Brennan will continue to be in charge of all acquisition work, including due diligence and closings and working with NBP’s distributor partners to ensure timely transactions. “Brennan’s real estate acumen and extraordinary organization skills and work ethic have played a very significant role in our company’s growth and our ability to execute on our customer-oriented dedication to the beverage industry,” said Anderson.

NBP Sponsors Canadian Tour Rookie, John Colyar

National Beverage Properties is sponsoring pro golfer John Colyar of Los Gatos, CA on the 2007 Canadian Professional Golf Tour. The Canadian tour is widely considered a steppingstone to the Nationwide and PGA Tours.

Colyar, 22, led the Santa Clara University golf team to its highest-ever national ranking in 2005-2006, and to its first NCAA post-season appearance in seven years. Colyar will wear the NBP logo on his shirt sleeve. “I’m excited about having National Beverage Properties be a part of my golf future, and I look forward to getting the chance to meet and play golf with some of NBP’s distributor partners,” said Colyar. Colyar can be seen later this week in The Golf Channel’s “Chasing the Dream” series.

“John is an extraordinary person, as well as an outstanding golfer and team leader,” said Anderson. “We’re very pleased to be a part of his team.”

January 18, 2007

NBP Announces Four Acquisitions

National Beverage Properties is pleased to announce it has acquired four additional beer distribution warehouses totaling over 585,000 square feet across the country. NBP entered into sale-leaseback transactions for two warehouses in Ohio with The Beverage Group, a warehouse in Fresno, California with Valley Wide Beverage Company, and a warehouse in Concord, New Hampshire with Capitol Distributors. These transactions have allowed each distributor to position his business for growth and greater profitability for years to come.

“As a result of NBP’s expertise, patience and diligence, my company is now moving into a world-class facility that can accommodate our most ambitious plans through the next generation.”
— John J. Shea, President, Capital Distributors, Inc.

“NBP not only understands the real estate business but they understand the beer business also. This transaction benefited the distributorship and my family members in many positive areas. I wish I had the foresight five years ago.”
— Louis Amendola, President, Valley Wide Beverage Company

New Joint Venture Partner

NBP is proud to announce the formation of a joint venture with Oak Hill Realty, a Fort Worth, Texas-based real estate investment firm. Oak Hill has a 23-year history of investment success and $20+ billion under management across multiple asset classes. The firm has previously sponsored six public Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Sale-Leasebacks Continue to Gain in Popularity

A January 2007 story in Yahoo Finance highlighted the increasing use of sale-leasebacks by U.S. corporations. “Corporate real estate professionals surveyed indicated that what’s driving the surge of sale-leasebacks is the need to maximize the value of assets, [and] free up capital for the core business....”

“Sale-leasebacks are increasingly taking a new shape as corporations look to reduce ownership of property and increase flexibility....”
— Yahoo Finance