Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises on acquisition of family-owned wine and spirits distributor Slocum & Sons

Clifford Chance has advised Connecticut-based wine and spirits distributor Slocum & Sons in its purchase by Eder Bros., Inc. and Allan S. Goodman, Inc.

Eder and Goodman have been joint-minority owners of Slocum since 2008 and this combination is expected to close in February 2024, creating one of the largest wine and spirits distributors in the state of Connecticut.

In a joint press release announcing the acquisition, Slocum president Dan Kleeberg said, "I am grateful to the Eder and Goodman organizations for their vision. In addition to creating a market-leading distributorship, this sale provides a future for our employees, which was a key factor in our decision."

Slocum & Sons' Executive Vice-President Brian Brook, who managed business negotiations, said, "I selected Clifford Chance because, as a commercial litigator myself, I know that having top tier counsel on your side is the key to a smooth transaction." Brook and Kleeberg assumed control of the company in April 2023 following a lawsuit against prior management. 

Partner Neil Barlow led the transaction with support from Jason Parsont and associates Peter Guinnane and Caitlin Hagart. Partner Kevin Colan and associate Milica Pavlovic advised on tax, with partner Howard Adler and associate David Walsh advising on employment matters.

Barlow said, "This combination reflects a unique opportunity to bring together entities that will result in greater operational efficiencies, additional value to the industry including to both employees and customers. We have been privileged to advise Slocum & Sons and look forward to witnessing the next chapter for these organizations."