Blab Business
Southern Glazers Completes Colorado Acquisition of Eagle Rock Distributing Assets
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has closed its purchase of most of Eagle Rock Distributing Co.’s Colorado operations, adding the state’s largest beer, spirits and non‑alcoholic distribution network to its portfolio. The deal, finalized on July 31, 2026, gives the company responsibility for distributing Anheuser‑Busch’s flagship brands in Colorado and expands its product range to include a variety of spirits, energy drinks and soft‑drink brands.
Under the terms of the transaction, Southern Glazer’s will assume distribution of Anheuser‑Busch’s portfolio in Colorado, which includes Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser, Bud Light and Busch Light. The acquisition also brings in Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox Beverages, Phorm Energy, and a selection of soft‑drink and water brands. The move adds significant volume to Southern Glazer’s existing Colorado presence, which already serves a fast‑growing market.
"Closing this transaction is an important step in strengthening our total beverage capabilities in Colorado. Eagle Rock’s strong portfolio, talented team, and customer relationships make this a natural fit, and we’re excited to build on their success," said Wayne E. Chaplin, president and chief executive of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Southern Glazer’s will continue to operate from Eagle Rock’s existing facilities in Colorado and will immediately begin distributing supplier products across the state. The company has appointed Jeffrey Gerali as senior vice president and general manager of its Colorado operation. Gerali previously served as senior commercial director at Anheuser‑Busch and has a background in sales leadership at PepsiCo. Jason Charboneau, who led the beer and non‑alcoholic division at Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company of Nevada, has been named senior vice president of sales for the Colorado business.
"This acquisition enhances our ability to serve customers with a broader portfolio across key growth categories. Together with Eagle Rock’s strong market presence, we’re well positioned to create new opportunities for suppliers and customers throughout Colorado," added Mark Chaplin, president of commercial sales at Southern Glazer’s.
Mike Economos, president of Eagle Rock Distributing Co., said the company was proud of the business built in Colorado and confident that Southern Glazer’s would continue its success. "Their scale, expertise, and commitment to partnership will support continued success in the market for suppliers and customers," he noted.
The deal reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the U.S. wholesale drinks sector. Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) recently entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has been selling operations in several states. Discussions are underway with potential buyers for RNDC’s remaining markets.
Southern Glazer’s acquisition of Eagle Rock’s Colorado assets strengthens its route‑to‑market capabilities and expands the range of products available to retailers and consumers across the state. The company will now manage a larger share of the Colorado market, while maintaining the existing distribution infrastructure and workforce.
The transaction is complete, and Southern Glazer’s will begin integrating Eagle Rock’s operations immediately. The company has not announced any further acquisitions or divestitures in Colorado, and no regulatory approvals beyond those required for the asset transfer have been reported. Southern Glazer’s will continue to monitor market developments as the U.S. beverage distribution landscape evolves.
Under the terms of the transaction, Southern Glazer’s will assume distribution of Anheuser‑Busch’s portfolio in Colorado, which includes Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser, Bud Light and Busch Light. The acquisition also brings in Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox Beverages, Phorm Energy, and a selection of soft‑drink and water brands. The move adds significant volume to Southern Glazer’s existing Colorado presence, which already serves a fast‑growing market.
"Closing this transaction is an important step in strengthening our total beverage capabilities in Colorado. Eagle Rock’s strong portfolio, talented team, and customer relationships make this a natural fit, and we’re excited to build on their success," said Wayne E. Chaplin, president and chief executive of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Southern Glazer’s will continue to operate from Eagle Rock’s existing facilities in Colorado and will immediately begin distributing supplier products across the state. The company has appointed Jeffrey Gerali as senior vice president and general manager of its Colorado operation. Gerali previously served as senior commercial director at Anheuser‑Busch and has a background in sales leadership at PepsiCo. Jason Charboneau, who led the beer and non‑alcoholic division at Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company of Nevada, has been named senior vice president of sales for the Colorado business.
"This acquisition enhances our ability to serve customers with a broader portfolio across key growth categories. Together with Eagle Rock’s strong market presence, we’re well positioned to create new opportunities for suppliers and customers throughout Colorado," added Mark Chaplin, president of commercial sales at Southern Glazer’s.
Mike Economos, president of Eagle Rock Distributing Co., said the company was proud of the business built in Colorado and confident that Southern Glazer’s would continue its success. "Their scale, expertise, and commitment to partnership will support continued success in the market for suppliers and customers," he noted.
The deal reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the U.S. wholesale drinks sector. Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) recently entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has been selling operations in several states. Discussions are underway with potential buyers for RNDC’s remaining markets.
Southern Glazer’s acquisition of Eagle Rock’s Colorado assets strengthens its route‑to‑market capabilities and expands the range of products available to retailers and consumers across the state. The company will now manage a larger share of the Colorado market, while maintaining the existing distribution infrastructure and workforce.
The transaction is complete, and Southern Glazer’s will begin integrating Eagle Rock’s operations immediately. The company has not announced any further acquisitions or divestitures in Colorado, and no regulatory approvals beyond those required for the asset transfer have been reported. Southern Glazer’s will continue to monitor market developments as the U.S. beverage distribution landscape evolves.
