FE Barber, the parent company of Manchester-based Kingsland Wines & Spirits and Legacy Wines, has purchased Startford’s Wine Agencies soon after the agency entered into administration.

The UK-based wine supplier Startford’s represents many premium agencies across the world including Pirie of Australia, Domaine Ste Michelle from the US and Anakena of Chile.

However, the recent tough trading climate has shrinked the wine supplier’s margins and forced it for buyout.

According to the 31 January 2011 figures, Startford’s made a loss of £176,054, against a profit of around £10,000 a year ago.

Turnover fell by almost 1.7% over the year, which was believed to be due to difficult and competitive trading conditions and increased promotional demands from some national accounts and also because of facing £100,000 exchange losses.

The company however claimed to continue to trade as a separate entity out of its Berkshire offices.

FE Barber managing director Andy Sagar said the deal will benefit both parties and provide essential synergies in sales and marketing, buying and the supply chain to grow the business.

"Stratford’s is a well-established agency in the trade, and their experience will be invaluable in our continued effort to provide a total wine solution for all our customers," Sagar added.

FE Barber sales and marketing director Rob Page said they are acquiring some good agencies and a distributor with a great reputation.

"Internally our strategy will develop over the next few months to ensure a smooth integration and to drive the business forward," Page added.

The addition of Stratford’s to its two existing businesses, Kingsland Wines & Spirits and Legacy Wines, allows FE Barber to provide services to wider markets across the Europe.