The year started with a bang for Argea, the company resulting from a strategy implemented by the Italian private equity firm Clessidra, which acquired Botter S.p.A., Mondodelvino S.p.A. and Cantina Zaccagnini, creating the most important private player in the Italian wine sector. The Group announced today the acquisition of 100% of WinesU, a major importer of Italian and French labels in the United States. Argea thus strengthens its presence in the main destination market for its exports, the US, ensuring greater control of the supply chain and opening up new growth opportunities.
“The acquisition of WinesU represents a fundamental step in Argea’s international growth path, confirming the strategic role of the United States, the leading market in terms of sales and turnover,” said Massimo Romani, CEO of Argea. “This milestone demonstrates once again Argea’s ability to grow and innovate, focusing on the enhancement of our territories and the distribution of Italian wine excellences throughout the world.”
“We are pleased to welcome the new WinesU colleagues to the Argea family and to approach the management of the company in the spirit of continuity, fully confirming in the operational management the team of people who have contributed to the success of the US business in these long and prestigious years”.
Argea’s big move in the US: acquisition of importer WinesU
Argea, the leading private Italian group in the wine sector, has announced that it has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100% of WinesU, a historic US importer specializing in Italian and French labels.
This strategic acquisition will allow Argea to consolidate its position in the United States, which in 2024 confirmed itself as the Group’s main market, with a weight of more than 30% of total exports.
Founded over 45 years ago in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, by Gino Razzi under the name of Viva Vino Imports, WinesU is a point of reference in the import of Italian and French wines for local American distributors. With a turnover of approximately 35 million euros in 2024, WinesU represents a key piece in Argea’s growth strategy, contributing to the increase in the Group’s consolidated revenues and further strengthening its leadership on the market.
WinesU’s product portfolio includes 7 wineries with a total of 11 labels. This operation will guarantee Argea direct access to the US market, strengthening its presence through strategic synergies. The direct presence on the market will also allow it to seize the new opportunities offered by consumer trends in the US, expand its customer portfolio and accelerate the growth of its premium brands in a constantly expanding market.
The acquisition of WinesU fits fully into Argea’s long-term strategy, which aims to strengthen its presence on foreign markets, while ensuring an integrated approach to supply chain management and the valorization of Italian denominations of excellence.
