Newspaper Article – Auckland firm buys Newbigins

Auckland firm buys Newbigins

Hughes and Cossar Holdings Ltd, Auckland, has made another acquisition, the old- established Hastings wine and spirits firm D.H. Newibigin [Newbigin] Ltd.

The announcement by the liquor trader, general merchant, engineering and machinery group said this purchase now gave the group full North Island coverage for all aspects of its business.

The new subsidiary would retain the same management and staff, but trade as Newbigin Wine and Spirits (Hawke’s Bay) Ltd.

Hughes and Cossar, which claims to be the last independent company in the liquor industry, is owned by a cross-section of staff and associated interests.

The manager of the Hastings firm, Mr Jim Newbigin, said today the move was a “merger” with the Auckland company.

“They have acquired the shares and the wholesale licence – I still own the land,” he said.

The firm sold its brewery concern to Leopard Breweries in 1956 but continued its wholesale trade from a shop on the corner of Miller St and Ellison Rd.

In 1972 Newbigins moved into a new building on St Aubyn St, where they operate today.