Brown Brothers heads south

The acquisition of Tamar Ridge Estates by Brown Brothers is, to put it mildly, interesting. The family-owned Brown Brothers business has always been run conservatively, and, up to now, has relied on organic growth from within rather than acquisition. The move to acquire Tamar Ridge Estates from Gunns Ltd is a master stroke, one which will very significantly enhance the Brown Brothers business base, and at the same time create a readymade defensive strategy against drought and climate change. It also makes a great deal of sense to maintain Tamar Ridge’s independence by ensuring autonomous brand management. It’s a quick kill process, with the acquisition to be completed on 31 August 2010.