Morris Wines Up For Sale

Morris Wines Up For Sale (5 Sept)

Orlando Wines announced today its decision to appoint Gaetjens Langley, Wine Industry Brokers to explore the divestment of the Morris Fortified and Table wine brands, associated vineyards and winery assets.

Established in 1859, Morris Wines of Rutherglen has been part of Orlando Wines since 1970 and is recognised as a unique boutique winery producing some of Australia's greatest fortified wines and benchmark Rutherglen table wines.

Stephen Couche, Managing Director of Orlando Wines says: "As part of the ongoing review of our business and our increasing focus on our core strategic wine brands, Jacob’s Creek and Wyndham Estate, we have decided to consider the divestment of Morris Wines".

Stephen adds “this sale should attract a lot of interest for such an iconic Australian wine brand. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff involved with the development of Morris wines over many years. We are committed to ensure a smooth transition. It is envisaged that this process will take approximately 6 months to complete and we will keep you informed of any significant development”.

Feel free to submit your comments!

From: n4sir

09/05/2007 23:57:28 The ink is barely dry on the sale of Seppeltsfield, so how long do you think Orlando were waiting for that announcement? If the sale of Morris goes through that would mean a huge majority of Australias oldest fortified stocks have changed hands within the space of about 6 months! Hopefully Morris will go to a buyer with some passion and a plan like Kilikanoon appears to have from their recent comments after acquiring Seppeltsfield.

TORB Responds

Ian, I heard the rumour about this proposed sale well before the official announcement by Pernod R. I would doubt the decision to sell Morris was influenced by the announced sale of Seppeltsfield. The Morris brand did not fit the Jacobs Creek model, especially the fortified wines. Also, a huge quantity of Morris Shiraz (2001?) was moved through the discount remainder outlets at about $10 a bottle because they could not move it at $18.

The Morris label has been neglected by Pernod R/Orlando/Jacobs Creek, but like you, I hope they find a sympathetic buyer who will keep the fortified stock intact.

	Snippet
Sydney Time Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008	Morris Wines Up For Sale (5 Sept) Orlando Wines announced today its decision to appoint Gaetjens Langley, Wine Industry Brokers to explore the divestment of the Morris Fortified and Table wine brands, associated vineyards and winery assets. Established in 1859, Morris Wines of Rutherglen has been part of Orlando Wines since 1970 and is recognised as a unique boutique winery producing some of Australia's greatest fortified wines and benchmark Rutherglen table wines. Stephen Couche, Managing Director of Orlando Wines says: "As part of the ongoing review of our business and our increasing focus on our core strategic wine brands, Jacob’s Creek and Wyndham Estate, we have decided to consider the divestment of Morris Wines". Stephen adds “this sale should attract a lot of interest for such an iconic Australian wine brand. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff involved with the development of Morris wines over many years. We are committed to ensure a smooth transition. It is envisaged that this process will take approximately 6 months to complete and we will keep you informed of any significant development”. Feel free to submit your comments! From: n4sir 09/05/2007 23:57:28 The ink is barely dry on the sale of Seppeltsfield, so how long do you think Orlando were waiting for that announcement? If the sale of Morris goes through that would mean a huge majority of Australias oldest fortified stocks have changed hands within the space of about 6 months! Hopefully Morris will go to a buyer with some passion and a plan like Kilikanoon appears to have from their recent comments after acquiring Seppeltsfield. TORB Responds Ian, I heard the rumour about this proposed sale well before the official announcement by Pernod R. I would doubt the decision to sell Morris was influenced by the announced sale of Seppeltsfield. The Morris brand did not fit the Jacobs Creek model, especially the fortified wines. Also, a huge quantity of Morris Shiraz (2001?) was moved through the discount remainder outlets at about $10 a bottle because they could not move it at $18. The Morris label has been neglected by Pernod R/Orlando/Jacobs Creek, but like you, I hope they find a sympathetic buyer who will keep the fortified stock intact. Copyright © Ric Einstein 2007