Press Release - January 3, 2008 - Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and The Capital Group of South Carolina are entering into a 50/50 joint venture to create RNDC of South Carolina, announced Tom Cole, president of RNDC and Peter Fawcett, president of The Capital Group. The new company is based in Columbia, S.C.

RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the nation, with operations in South Carolina and 16 other states as well as the District of Columbia. The Capital Group, which employs 290 people, has South Carolina subsidiaries in West Columbia, Easley, Myrtle Beach and North Charleston. As of December 10, 2007, The Capital Group and its subsidiaries began doing business under the new company name.

"We are pleased to be working with the Fawcetts to build a more dynamic business in South Carolina. This joint venture combines our strengths and capabilities and will enable us to better serve our suppliers," commented Tom Cole.

Peter Fawcett is chief executive officer for the new company and Charlie Bradford, who has been the RNDC state president in South Carolina, is president. The Capital Group began in 1982 as Capital Wine and Beverage Distributing Company of Columbia. It was founded by Peter Fawcett, his father John Fawcett, Jr., and his brothers John, David and Michael and has remained a family-run business.

"I am very excited about combining our 25 years of experience in South Carolina with the phenomenal national presence of RNDC and believe it will be a wonderful marriage in a wonderful state," said Peter Fawcett. "The real winners in this deal are our customers who will benefit from the increased resources and expanded services we now can offer."

RNDC participates in other joint partnerships in Kentucky, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The company also has wholly-owned operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 people nationwide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708