Majestic Wine acquired by US investment firm

American investment group Fortress sees the wine retailer as “providing a great opportunity to enter UK retail”. The sale includes the website, bricks-and-mortar stores, headquarters plus on-trade and French divisions.

The investment firm has already put plans in place to achieve its “vision for future growth”.

Its new buying and merchandising director, Robert Cooke, will oversee a full range review, refit of the store estate with new shelving and tasting areas, new store openings and the roll-out of its new service Wineify.

Majestic Wine managing director Joshua Lincoln said: “In March when it was announced Majestic may be closed, or rebranded, I received thousands of emails from concerned customers – with some incredible stories about our wines and people. It made finding a suitable buyer for the business crucial. 

“We intend to be the leader in the UK retail revolution with a focus on experience, expertise and product. Over 1,000 roles and Majestic’s store network will remain.

“Majestic has grown through periods of dramatic change, I know we have the recipe to do it again. We want to keep investing in our stores, in our people and our product – everything you can feel, touch and sip. After all, you cannot taste wine online.”