Santa Ana, Calif., Feb. 25 - Access Beverage, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of distinctive brands of wine and fine spirits, CEO, Mr. James Moeller, announced today that the company has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with New Patagonia SA to acquire a forty-percent (40%) interest, contingent upon meeting performance requirements, in LAUQUEN® Natural Artesian Water.
Under the terms of the agreement, Access Beverage is expected to acquire exclusive marketing and distribution rights, including import/export rights, joint ownership of all trademarks, future products and share in profits of the operation of LAUQUEN® in the United States, Canada and China. LAUQUEN® is the number one premium bottled water in several markets around the world, and was recently named one of the world's most luxurious and expensive bottled waters by Forbes Traveler Magazine.
According to the agreement, Access Beverage's distribution of LAUQUEN® will focus solely on institutional sales, including exclusive resorts and spas, wine bars, high-end clubs, luxury hotels and restaurants, country clubs, business centers, and premium retailers that are frequented by the world's top celebrities, sports figures, royalty, and prominent executives. “LAUQUEN® has earned its place as a high-end lifestyle brand and is a perfect complement to Access Beverage's line of fine wines and spirits. We believe the best wine makers and sommeliers, hoteliers, and other luxury service providers in North America and China will be pleased to offer LAUQUEN® to their clientele, who seek exceptional taste and quality, said Access Beverage CEO, Mr. James Moeller.
“This agreement is a major step forward in our strategy to expand our premium product lines and increase our points-of-presence in the high-margin, global institutional market,” said Access Beverage president, Ms. Diane Svehlak. “Our recent announcement to enter the Chinese marketplace is underpinned by a strong demand for bottled water where pure artisan waters are at an all time high, particularly within urban Chinese communities. We have a significant line of innovative and premium branded beverage products that we believe will be very well received. These agreements are putting us on track to accelerate our revenues and profitability, and create a platform for global market reach, in 2009,” concluded Ms. Svehlak.