The New Zealand winery Villa Maria has received a takeover bid from the country's largest apple producer. This is reported by international media. Scales Corporation, with their division Mr Apple, New Zealand's largest producer and packer of apples, is said to have made an "attractive offer." Villa Maria is world famous for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
According to reports, the apple producer is willing to pay more than previous potential bidders like Constellations Brands, owner of New Zealand brands like Kim Crawford and Nobilo, or Pernod Ricard, which is also already firmly established on the New Zealand market with the Brancott Estate winery. There is talk about a valuation of about $200 million. According to rumours, the investment company The Carlyle Group is also interested in Villa Maria. The group owns the Accolade Wines, which originates from Australia. aw
