Charles Russell Speechlys advises Grape Paradise on the acquisition of a fine wine business
Charles Russell Speechlys has advised Chinese fine wine importer Grape Paradise on the acquisition of the assets and brand of Sarment Group in the China Mainland territories from the Bulgari Family and other shareholders. Following the acquisition Grape Paradise will change its name to Sarment Fine Wine.
Established in 2017 by entrepreneur and wine industry expert Jinglin Zhang, Grape Paradise has expanded the portfolio of fine wines that it imports from Italy to also include France, Spain, Austria and the United Kingdom. Grape Paradise will continue to work with a selected group of wineries that currently work with Sarment Group to build on the strong foundations that both companies have developed.
Grape Paradise founder Jinglin Zhang commented: “I appointed Helen Wong, to assist with the asset acquisition of Sarment. I found Helen to be pro-active, professional and very commercial. I would highly recommend Charles Russell Speechlys’ China Desk for any cross-border transaction which has a China element to them.”
Helen Wong, Corporate Partner and Head of Charles Russell Speechlys’ China Desk, said: “We are delighted to have helped Jinglin and the Grape Paradise team continue to grow their business with this important expansion in the rapidly growing Chinese market. Our strong relationship with Grandall Law Firm was invaluable in helping complete this complex cross-border acquisition.”
The Charles Russell Speechlys team was led by Corporate Partner, Helen Wong, supported by Banking & Finance Senior Associate Edith Lai. Teresa Yang at Grandall Law Firm advised Grape Paradise on Chinese law matters and Reed Smith’s Singapore office advised the shareholders of Sarment Group. Charles Russell Speechlys also has a top-ranked Art & Luxury Goods team that advises clients on all types of projects including working with fine wine dealers and collectors.
