Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Acquisitions and Divestitures

v3.23.1
Acquisitions and Divestitures
12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2023
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Acquisitions
Austin Cocktails
In April 2022, we acquired the remaining 73% ownership interest in Austin Cocktails, which included a portfolio of small batch, RTD cocktails. This transaction primarily included the acquisition of goodwill and a trademark. In addition, the purchase price for Austin Cocktails includes an earn-out over five years based on performance. The results of operations of Austin Cocktails are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Lingua Franca
In March 2022, we acquired the Lingua Franca business, including a collection of Oregon-based luxury wines, a vineyard, and a production facility. This transaction also included the acquisition of a trademark and inventory. In addition, the purchase price for Lingua Franca includes an earn-out over seven years based on performance. The results of operations of Lingua Franca are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

My Favorite Neighbor
In November 2021, we acquired the remaining 65% ownership interest in My Favorite Neighbor, a super-luxury, DTC focused wine business as well as certain wholesale distributed brands. This transaction primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, trademarks, inventory, and property, plant, and equipment. In addition, the My Favorite Neighbor transaction includes an earn-out over 10 years based on performance, with a 50% minimum guarantee due at the end of the earn-out period. The results of operations of My Favorite Neighbor are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

We recognized a gain of $13.5 million for the year ended February 28, 2022, related to the remeasurement of our previously held 35% equity interest in My Favorite Neighbor to the acquisition-date fair value. This gain is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses within our consolidated results of operations. See Note 10 for further discussion.

Copper & Kings
In September 2020, we acquired the remaining ownership interest in Copper & Kings. This acquisition included a collection of traditional and craft batch-distilled American brandies and other select spirits. The transaction primarily included the acquisition of inventory and property, plant, and equipment. The results of operations of Copper & Kings are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Empathy Wines
In June 2020, we acquired Empathy Wines, including the acquisition of a digitally-native wine brand which strengthens our position in the DTC and other eCommerce markets. This transaction primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, trademarks, and inventory. In addition, the purchase price for Empathy Wines includes an earn-out over five years based on performance. The results of operations of Empathy Wines are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.
Divestitures
2022 Wine Divestiture
On October 6, 2022, we sold certain of our mainstream and premium wine brands and related inventory. The net cash proceeds from the 2022 Wine Divestiture were utilized primarily to reduce outstanding borrowings. Prior to the 2022 Wine Divestiture, we recorded the results of operations of these brands in the Wine and Spirits segment. The following table summarizes the net gain recognized in connection with this divestiture, for the year ended February 28, 2023:
(in millions)
Cash received from buyer $ 96.7 
Net assets sold (66.9)
Direct costs to sell (1)
(14.8)
Gain on sale of business (2)
$ 15.0 
(1)Includes certain contract termination costs.
(2)Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses within our consolidated results of operations.

Paul Masson Divestiture
On January 12, 2021, we sold the Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy brand, related inventory, and interests in certain contracts. We received cash proceeds of $267.4 million, net of post-closing adjustments, which were used for general corporate purposes. Prior to the Paul Masson Divestiture, we recorded the results of operations of our Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy business in the Wine and Spirits segment. In connection with the Paul Masson Divestiture, we entered into a transition services agreement with Sazerac Company whereby our retained Mission Bell facility will provide certain bulk wine processing services at market rates for a period of up to three years. The following table summarizes the net gain recognized, primarily for the year ended February 28, 2021, in connection with this divestiture:
(in millions)
Cash received from buyer $ 272.0 
Net assets sold (206.4)
Contract termination (4.0)
Direct costs to sell (3.2)
Gain on sale of business (1)
$ 58.4 
(1)Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses within our consolidated results of operations.

Wine and Spirits Divestitures
On January 5, 2021, we sold a portion of our wine and spirits business, including lower-margin, lower growth wine and spirits brands, related inventory, interests in certain contracts, wineries, vineyards, offices, and facilities. We received net cash proceeds of $538.4 million, from the Wine and Spirits Divestiture, net of post-closing adjustments. In addition, we had the potential to earn an incremental $250 million of contingent consideration if certain brand performance targets were met over a two-year period after closing. As of January 5, 2023, the threshold brand performance targets were not met, accordingly no incremental proceeds in the form of contingent consideration were received.

On January 5, 2021, in a separate, but related transaction with the same buyer, Gallo, we also sold the New Zealand-based Nobilo Wine brand and certain related assets. We received cash proceeds of $129.0 million, from the Nobilo Wine Divestiture, net of post-closing adjustments.

In connection with the Wine and Spirits Divestitures, we entered into certain transition services agreements with Gallo whereby we provide certain cellar, package, and storage services primarily at Mission Bell. We recorded a $13.0 million liability related to the unfavorable transition services agreements, which was included in the net loss on sale of business for the year ended February 28, 2021, and is being amortized over the
expected term of the contracts to selling, general, and administrative expenses both within our consolidated results of operations.

The cash proceeds from the Wine and Spirits Divestitures were utilized to reduce outstanding debt and for other general corporate purposes. Prior to the Wine and Spirits Divestitures, we recorded the results of operations for this portion of our business in the Wine and Spirits segment. The following table summarizes the net loss recognized, primarily for the year ended February 28, 2021, in connection with these divestitures:
(in millions)
Cash received from buyer $ 667.4 
Net assets sold (669.2)
Transition services agreements (13.0)
Direct costs to sell (8.5)
AOCI reclassification adjustments, primarily foreign currency translation (5.1)
Other (5.2)
Loss on sale of business (1)
$ (33.6)
(1)Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses within our consolidated results of operations.

Concentrate Business Divestiture
On December 29, 2020, we sold certain brands used in our concentrates and high-color concentrate business, and certain related intellectual property, inventory, interests in certain contracts, and other assets. Prior to the Concentrate Business Divestiture, we recorded the results of operations of our concentrates and high-color concentrate business in the Wine and Spirits segment.

Ballast Point Divestiture
On March 2, 2020, we sold the Ballast Point craft beer business, including a number of its associated production facilities and brewpubs. Prior to the Ballast Point Divestiture, we recorded the results of operations of the Ballast Point craft beer business in the Beer segment. We received cash proceeds of $41.1 million, which were primarily utilized to reduce outstanding borrowings.