Chicago distribution network acquires Greenville beverage company.

In some ways, Reyes Beer Division, the catalyst for the ninth largest privately-held company in the country, Reyes Holdings LLC., is returning home.

In 1976, Wofford graduate Jude Reyes and his brother, Chris, began distributing Schlitz beer out of Spartanburg shortly after graduating. In five years, they had added another distributorship in Savannah and moved to Chicago after acquiring a distribution center there.

Sixteen beer distributor acquisitions and three additional portfolio companies later, Reyes Holdings brings in $29 billion in sales annually with more to come through its acquisition of Greenville's Greenco Beverage Co. on Sept. 24, according to a news release.

"Reyes Beer Division started as a small Schlitz beer distributorship in Spartanburg, S.C., 45 years ago," Stephen Reyes, president of Reyes Beer Division East, said in the news release. "To have the opportunity to service the market and give back to the surrounding communities in which we first established our roots is truly special. The Farr family has built an incredible business with a great foundation and we respect everything they've accomplished over the years."

The acquisition of substantially all assets of the Upstate company will add about 200 customers and 2.8 million cases to Reyes Holding's portfolio. Key suppliers include Molson...