Barossa legend Peter Lehmann is concerned with the news that giant UK drinks firm Allied Domecq, owner of New Zealand’s largest wine company in Montana Wines and the world’s fourth-largest wine company, has bought into the business that carries his name. Its 5.4% stake in Peter Lehmann is a long way from assuming control, but it might prove to be the first foray into a full takeover bid. Lehmann, who owns around 16% of the company, is keen that nothing happens to the business that might jeopardise the livelihoods of its employees and the Barossa growers it was established to protect. With a 3% increase in revenue, Peter Lehmann’s first half profit of A$3,382,000 was up by 11% over last year’s figures. The Hill Wine Group, owners of Basedow, Marienberg and Fern Hill Estate, has called in Ferrier Hodgson as administrators after a ‘litany of tragedies’ involved in the company’s $16 million warehouse and distribution facility in Sydney.
