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Megadistrib Columbia, already very active in 2026 dealmaking, today announced its 3d deal of yr, a "strategic investment" in Hayden Beverage in ID to "expand" its PacNW program. Columbia will take a minority stake in Hayden, joining "two established distributors with aligned supplier relationships, complementary portfolios and a shared focus," according to Columbia's release. And Hayden ownership will "take an indirect ownership interest in Columbia, aligning long-term priorities and supporting continued regional growth," release continued. Transaction is expected to close by end of Jun. There "will be no immediate changes to day-to-day operations," with "no layoffs or employer changes," Columbia said. Hayden Remains Independent; Together, a "Scaled, Leading" Total Bev "Platform" in PacNW Hayden will "remain independent, continue to operate under its existing leadership," said Hayden's release. Its "planned partnership" with Columbia will "strengthen the business while capitalizing on Hayden's local leadership, knowledge, talent and relationships." Recall, Hayden Beverage has 60+ share of wine in ID, chairman Dodds Hayden told INSIGHTS last mo. And its total bev model features Red Bull, Mark Anthony and Boston, big craft portfolio as well as many leading wine brands. In others words, it has many of same key suppliers and same strategic rationale (total beverage) as Columbia. "Hayden has built an exceptional business in Idaho&hellip;. Together, we are strengthening a true regional platform, while maintaining local relationships that drive long-term success," said Columbia ceo Chris Steffanci in a statement."Series of Strategic Moves" By Each of Columbia and Hayden Led to This This caps a very busy period in PacNW dealmaking, "a series of strategic moves by both companies." In late Jan, Columbia announced deal to buy craft-centric 1-mil-case Point Blank in OR. At end of Apr, Columbia signed letter of intent to buy "certain wine and spirits distribution rights" from RNDC in WA and OR, as well as an "asset arrangement" in AK. On May 8, Hayden Bev bought out RNDC from their JV in ID. It had also bought 3 wine distribs plus Scout Dist in past 2 yrs (Columbia then had stake in Scout) and sold its MT biz to Summit Dist. Those deals set up current deal between Hayden and Columbia. "Together, these actions further build a scaled, leading total beverage platform across the Pacific Northwest," said Columbia.Total Beverage Model Advances Further Various pieces of a puzzle are getting put together. Collectively, they make Columbia even more of a force going forward in PacNW alc and non-alc bevs. Recall, prior to these deals, Columbia already sold 80 mil cases of beer, wine, spirits and NA. And generated $2.1 bil in revs, ceo Chris Steffanci told INSIGHTS last yr. At time, Chris described Columbia as 65% beer, 25% NAs and 10% wine and spirits. Columbia long a prime mover in advancing a total beverage model. It developed model as a form of "risk mitigation," Chris told INSIGHTS. Back in 2024, Chris said in a decade "only the total beverage wholesaler" will survive. Now Columbia is broadening its reach to 2 new states, ID and AK.It's further evolving total beverage model thru M&A, just as ceo Chris had projected would happen when its owner Meritage explored sale in 2024, but ultimately decided to go expand upon model and team Chris had already developed. Meritage is willing to "find unique and creative ways to get a deal done," based on "needs of the seller," Chris told INSIGHTS. Whether for part of the biz, as in this case, or all of the biz. This deal "proves out" concept of "what we've been saying," Chris added.

Columbia Dist Takes Stake in Hayden Beverage; 3d Deal of Year

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