Santa Rosa, Calif.—Pat Roney, CEO and president of Vintage Wine Estates (VWE) announced that AGR Partners, an investment firm focused on food and agribusiness, has provided growth capital through a minority equity stake in the company. "We are delighted to enter into a partnership with AGR Partners," Roney said in the press release announcing the deal. "They understand the agricultural nature of our business and are fully on-board with our growth and long-term acquisition strategy."

According to VWE, the $75 million investment by AGR and existing shareholders will help support future winery and brand acquisitions and expansion-related production efficiencies. Recent VWE acquisitions include Tamarack Cellars in Washington State, Firesteed Vineyards, in Oregon, and the California brands Layer Cake, Cherry Pie and If You See Kay.

"We look to make long-term investments to support best in class businesses with great partners; our investment in Vintage Wine Estates aligns closely with this goal," said Ejnar Knudsen, CEO of AGR Partners in the same press release.

AGR Partners' portfolio of investments in food and agribusiness companies includes Almark Foods, Ridley, Opal Foods, SEMO Milling, 3D Corporate Solutions, Icicle Seafoods and Tru-Test Group.