Summit Beverage has struck a deal to acquire George’s Distributing, giving Summit statewide presence in Montana, the companies announced today.
“This transaction aligns perfectly with our vision to be the premier beverage distributor in our markets,” Summit president Greg Markovich said in a press release. “George’s Distributing has built an outstanding reputation in Montana, and we’re excited to welcome their talented team and valued customers to the Summit family. This deal firmly cements our position as a full-service, statewide wholesaler in Montana.”
Summit operates in the western portion of the state, with offices in Missoula, Kalispell and Butte. Its portfolio includes Molson Coors, Pabst, Boston Beer, New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Shiner, Deschutes, Firestone Walker, Founders and local/regional craft brands such as Big Sky, Bitter Root, Glacier, Kettle House and Tamarack, as well as wine, spirits and Red Bull.
George’s has a statewide footprint, and entered bev-alc distribution with a wine division. Its beer portfolio includes Athletic, Oksar Blues, Left Hand, Breakside, Mountains Walking and many European imports.
“We are pleased to join Summit Beverage and continue serving our customers with the enhanced resources and capabilities this partnership provides,” George’s president Chelsey George said in the release. “This combination creates exciting opportunities for our employees, customers and supplier partners.”
The deal is expected to close on December 31. After that, George’s will “operate independently within the Summit organization,” according to the release. George’s will retain its leadership and employees.
When the Markovich family acquired what became Summit (then Roach and Smith) in 1968, it was “a modest candy and tobacco wholesaler,” according to the company’s website. The company exited candy and tobacco in 2004 to focus on beverages.
Summit acquired Fun Beverage in 2023, which expanded its territory to all of Western Montana, which includes roughly half the state’s population, according to Summit’s website.
Summit serves 1,000 retailers from a 110,000 sq. ft warehouse in Missoula. George’s serves about 1,500 retailers across the state.