EMPIRE MERCHANTS EXPANDS IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

Service-Universal Distributors and Colony Liquor & Wine Distributors have combined operations in Upstate New York to form Empire Merchants North, LLC. Led by Jay Andretta as ceo, Empire North is the newest member of The Charmer Sunbelt Group. Additional members of the executive team include: Tony Brongo, coo; Kevin Tucker, vp, sales and marketing; and Bill Simpson, cfo.

As you’ll recall, Colony was the largest distributor in upstate New York before the merger. In March, Southern also made a move in Upstate New York by acquiring Eber Bros.