NATIONAL BOASTS STRONG SALES

National Wine & Spirits experienced rising sales and earnings last year, the wholesaler reported yesterday. Overseeing products for companies including Diageo, Moet Hennessy and Brown-Forman, net income more than doubled to $5.4 million for the year to March 31.

The company attributed its rise in earnings to a payment of $8.3 million they received after an unspecified supplier ended its distribution agreement with National. Revenue rose 30% to $717.6 million with help from sales in Illinois after the acquisition of Johnson Brothers last year.