RNDC plans to divest operations in seven US States to Reyes Beverage Group
RNDC is considering selling operations in seven states as part of efforts to streamline its US distribution footprint.
USA – Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC), the second-largest national drinks distributor in the United States, is reportedly planning to divest its operations in seven states to the country’s largest beer distributor, Reyes Beverage Group.
In a memo shared with RNDC employees, company president and chief executive officer Marc Sachs said the group had reached preliminary agreement with Reyes on key commercial terms.
“We have aligned with Reyes Beverage Group on key economic terms,” Sachs said. “Upon completion of the transaction, Reyes plans to run the newly acquired businesses separately from their current operations.”
A spokesperson for Reyes Beverage Group confirmed to Beer Business Daily that the company was in “active discussions” to acquire RNDC’s operations in the identified markets.
“While there are still a number of steps we need to finalise the deal, I hope that you join me in recognising this positive development,” the spokesperson said.
The financial terms of the potential transaction have not been disclosed.
RNDC has been reshaping its US footprint following mounting operational challenges. The distributor previously announced it would exit California on 1 September 2025 after losing several major supplier accounts.
At the time, Kanchan Achar, RNDC’s head of corporate communications, said: “We’ve made the difficult business decision to withdraw from California which affects many roles in the state. We are complying with all regulatory obligations and are committed to handling every transition thoughtfully and smoothly.”
RNDC cited unsustainable operating costs, increasing market pressures and the loss of key partners as factors behind the decision. In May 2025, Brown-Forman moved its California distribution from RNDC to Reyes Beverage Group.
Reyes already distributes Brown-Forman products in Alaska. Tito’s Handmade Vodka was also among the major brands that shifted away from RNDC.
Reyes Beverage Group distributes approximately 350 million cases of beer annually across the US. Its portfolio includes brands such as Heineken, Corona, Modelo, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Guinness, Blue Moon, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Athletic Brewing and Firestone Walker.
Reyes Beverage Group is part of Reyes Holdings, the sixth-largest privately held company in the US, generating about US$40 billion in annual sales. In addition to beer distribution, Reyes Holdings owns foodservice distributor Martin Brower, a supplier to McDonald’s, as well as Great Lakes Coca-Cola and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.
According to Forbes, the company traces its roots to 1974, when its founder acquired a small Schlitz beer distributorship in South Carolina for US$740,000.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
