Treasury Wine Estates Says U.S. Assets Attracting Buyer Interest

Dow Jones
Aug 13
 
 

SYDNEY--Treasury Wine Estates said it has received interest from potential buyers for the U.S. brands, vineyards and production assets it has earmarked for sale.

The Australian vintner and owner of the Penfolds brand reported a US$762.9 million annual loss on Thursday, stemming from US$925.4 million in previously announced noncash impairments against its U.S. assets, including the Frank Family Vineyards and Daou labels.

Treasury Wine is restructuring its expensively assembled U.S. operations, as it contends with cooling global demand. It began writing down the value of its U.S. portfolio at its half-year results in February and flagged potential divestments in June.

The sale process has progressed since then, Chief Executive Sam Fischer said during a call with analysts.

"We've been pleased with the response and we expect to give some material updates in the near term," Fischer said.

"We'll come back to the market, I suspect, before the end of the year."

The assets for sale include vineyards, production facilities and brands, Interim Chief Financial Officer Justin Pipito noted on the same call.

Treasury Wine remains confident of getting its balance-sheet leverage back to its target range, regardless of whether it completes the divestments, Pipito added.

Treasury Wine had hoped that a US$1.3 billion California-focused acquisition spree earlier this decade would uncork elevated returns by capitalizing on a broader shift by consumers toward premium wine consumption.

However, global wine consumption has hit its lowest level since the 1960s, contributing to bloated inventory levels among wholesale customers.

Treasury Wine has designated Daou as one of its three "global power brands" alongside Penfolds and New Zealand's Matua. Fischer said Treasury Wine had seen positive early signs following the introduction of Daou in China and other Asian markets.

 
 

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