In a move that signals ongoing consolidation in the premium cigar industry, Alliance Cigar has officially merged into New Global Marketing, Inc., the parent company of Best Cigar Prices. The merger positions Alliance as the B2B wholesale arm of New Global, complementing Best Cigar Prices’ existing consumer-facing retail operations.
The companies announced the agreement on May 16, with both parties citing long-standing relationships and aligned values as key factors behind the decision.
“This is a natural and very exciting strategic combination of our businesses,” said Greg Fox, President and CEO of Best Cigar Prices. “We’ve known and respected each other for decades and now we have the opportunity to grow both businesses together and to combine our best-in-class services across customer categories.”
As part of the merger, Alliance Cigar’s Tom Sullivan and Steve Kallinikos will join the executive team of the combined organization as Executive Vice Presidents. Both will also become shareholders and receive seats on the board. Greg Fox will continue to lead the unified companies as President and CEO.
Sullivan, who founded Alliance Cigar, emphasized the cultural fit between the two companies. “We decided the best way forward to continue to deliver incredible value to our customers and grow our business, was to combine with another independent closely held operator who understands our commitment to customer service and great products,” he said. “We look forward to working with Greg and the team in Drums as our new partners.”
Kallinikos noted the operational advantages of the merger. “We see several attractive marketing and operating efficiencies through combining our businesses which we believe will add additional offerings and enhance the overall experience of our customers,” he said.
The combined entity aims to leverage its expanded infrastructure to better serve both retailers and individual consumers in a shifting cigar market.
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