Majestic Wine ‘exploring deal’ to purchase Vagabond

In a statement, Majestic said it was ‘hopeful of securing a deal’ to buy the pour-your-own wine bar chain, a move that would see it enter the hospitality space for the first time. 

It comes after Vagabond revealed earlier this month​​ that it was exploring restructuring options to safeguard the business.

“Majestic can confirm it is exploring a deal to purchase all or part of the Vagabond Wines business,” said a spokesman for Majestic.

“Majestic cannot comment further on ongoing discussions, but we are hopeful of securing a deal.”

Vagabond’s estate currently comprises of 10 sites across the capital alongside an outpost within Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, all of which continue to trade.

The London-based group, which is backed by Imbiba, has previously cited legacy Covid debts combined with other cost pressures and the forced closure of its Heathrow venue as being behind the decision to restructure the business.

A spokesperson for Vagabond said at the time: “All of our amazing Vagabond venues are open and trading, offering over 100 delicious wines by the glass, and there are no plans for this to change.

“Due to legacy Covid debts, and other well documented cost pressures, and the loss of the company’s highly successful Heathrow venue due to the reconfiguration of airport security, the company has decided to undertake a restructuring to safeguard the business and protect the jobs of our brilliant team.

“The management team, the Board and investors remain highly supportive at this time.”