Company Background

       The parent company of Baum Wine Imports is WIV Wein International AG, who has its head office in Burg Layen near Bingen am Rhein, Germany, and is the world's largest direct wine sales company. It has its own vineyards and wineries in Germany, France, Hungary, Australia and South Africa and has more than 4,500 employees in 20 countries throughout the world. The company is owned by the founding Pieroth family, which can look back on over 325 years of wine growing tradition.

       In the United States, Baum Wine Imports first opened their doors in Chicago, Illinois in 1972, and soon expanded to open offices in Colorado and California. Although they have grown greatly, they still represent several products from the same producers they originally began with.

       The Colorado division of Baum Wine Imports recently added another chapter to their history, when they acquired the Colorado fine wine distribution company Magnum Wine Group at the beginning of 2006. Their joining of forces allows Baum to better serve retail and restaurant customers in all market areas of Colorado, and to offer an even wider range and selection of fine wines, saké, spirits and beers.

       Baum looks forward to a future of increased growth and presence in the state of Colorado, and will continue to represent and market a portfolio of fine wines and spirits throughout the region.

       Baum Wine Imports announced today a merger with Superior Brands to be effective March 31, 2008.

       Superior Brands will be operated as an independent division within Baum Wine Imports.

       “We are excited to have Superior Brands join the Baum Family. Scott Curtis and his sales team have done a great job of building their company and we’re confident that the resources Baum Wine Imports is able to provide will serve to continue that growth,” said Fuad Jezzini, GM Baum Wine Imports, Colorado.

       Combined efforts will make Baum Wine Imports the most formidable mid-sized wholesale distribution company in Colorado. They can provide full product line support that covers highly rated boutique products to large brand-name lines.

       Baum Wine Imports and Bella Vita Wines, Inc. today announced a strategic merger. Udo Heinz, President Baum Wine Group Inc., said, “This is a significant strategic move for our company. It demonstrates the continuance of our strategy to be the best small distributor in the Colorado market. This merger will provide more concentrated coverage while focusing on customer service.”

       Fuad Jezzini, General Manager of Baum Wine Colorado, said, “The combining of our two companies will bring together our different market strengths while providing a rounded portfolio of offerings to our customers. Bella Vita brings high quality domestic products and Baum Wine Imports provides an international flare with a plethora of products from German wines to Sake.” Jezzini also added, “We will continue to focus on taking customer services to the next level. This is the highest priority for the entire company which we will be constantly improving.”

       The Controller of Baum Wine Imports, Art Draves, said, “Our continued commitment to customer service is further enhanced by this merger with the automation tools Bella Vita Wines has been utilizing for the past six years. We will continue to improve the way we conduct business, and we will also be replacing our delivery fleet within the next month.”

       Former President of Bella Vita Wines, Inc., Tony Pignatiello, said, “This merger allows us to continue and expedite our ability to improve the service end of our industry through the use of technology. We now jointly have the ability to provide excellent products combined with business improvement tools for our customers, suppliers and our company.” Pignatiello also said, “Combining our professional sales teams creates one of the best teams in the industry.”

       Pignatiello will become the Director of Strategic Planning for the combined company, he commented, “Our combined arsenal of suppliers provides us excellent opportunities. I look forward to working with the combined team.”

       Chris Von Feldt, Director of Sales of Baum Wines Colorado, said, “We are excited about this merger. The entire team is excited about the possibilities, we are proud and energized about our future.”

       Baum Wine Imports, Colorado is part of the Baum Wine Group headquartered in Bensenville, Illinois in Business since 1972. The Baum Wine Group is owned by WIV Wein International, Burg Layen, Germany.