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Kalamazoo Gazette: Kalamazoo beer distributor Imperial Beverage acquires Carolinas' craft beer distributor
KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo-based beer and wine distributor has acquired a company that will give it access to markets in North and South Carolina.
Imperial Beverage said this month that it bought Carolina Craft Distributing, based in Charlotte, N.C. — Imperial’s second acquisition in less than a year.
Among the 80 beer brands Imperial distributes are Arcadia Ales of Battle Creek. Carolina Craft distributes about 30 different craft beers in North and South Carolina.
“This is a great opportunity for all of us,” said John Leone, who will relocate to serve as president of Carolina Craft Distributing. Leone merged his Plymouth distribution company with Imperial in May 2009
“This development means an infusion of industry expertise for Carolina Craft,” Leone said. “For Imperial, this means new innovations and new markets.” and the two bought out a third Southeast Michigan company.