Thomson Geer has advised wine maker Accolade Wines on the sale of its multiple trophy and medal winning House of Arras sparkling wine brand to boutique wine maker Handpicked Wines.

Thomson Geer advised Accolade on the transaction, which included Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) considerations, intellectual property and competition matters and negotiations of the transaction documents.

The transaction includes the House of Arras brand, and its associated vineyards and cellar door in Tasmania, a state recognised as a producer of premium sparkling wines. Accolade will continue to produce the House of Arras wine under a long-term contract with the new owners.

The Thomson Geer team was led by Partner Annabel West who said: "The Australian wine sector is renowned around the world for its quality across many styles. We are pleased to have assisted Accolade on the transaction and look forward to seeing House of Arras continue to produce outstanding wines under its new ownership."

Annabel was supported by Partner Demetrios Christou, Senior Associate Hugo MacMillan, Special Counsel Melanie Mitchell on FIRB matters and Partner Josh Simons on competition matters.

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