UK specialist wine retailer Majestic has bought wine bar chain Vagabond Wines out of administration.

The move, which comes after Vagabond went into administration last month, has saved nine of the company’s wine bars from closure, as well as 171 jobs.

Vagabond was founded as a single wine shop in Fulham in 2010 and has since grown into a chain of wine bars focused on "discovery and experience", offering over 100 wines by the glass, which customers order using tap-and-pour self-serve wine machines. Its bars also host several regular events, including cheese and wine masterclasses.

Majestic said that following its buyout it plans to further invest in the company, with ambitions to open more wine bars, use its CRM capability, and further develop both companies' offerings of Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications for its staff and customers.

Majestic chief executive John Colley said that the takeover would allow it to grow its customer base and take its brand to a younger demographic.

He added that the merger would further boost the business by working alongside its B2B supply division, Majestic Commercial.

“In Majestic, we believe we have found the perfect partner to enhance the unique strengths of the Vagabond business and drive a new phase of profitable growth," said Vagabond managing director Matt Fleming.

Majestic says that over the past four years, Majestic has opened 16 new stores, employed hundreds of new colleagues, invested heavily in the training and development of its people and supplied thousands of premium hospitality venues through Majestic Commercial.

It plans to open an average of one new store every month over the coming years, while it is also growing its Majestic Commercial team "at pace". Majestic aims to become one of the UK’s biggest suppliers to the on-trade and hospitality sectors within the next five years.

Majestic Commercial already supplies more than 3,000 venues across the country, including Manchester City Football Club; The Lucia Group; Deben Inns; London Shuffle Club; and JCB Golf and Country Club.

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