Bank of the West, part of BNP Paribas Group, led the financing for the acquisition of A to Z Wineworks by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, owned by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. BNP Paribas acted as the exclusive financial advisor to A to Z Wineworks and worked closely with Bank of the West on the deal.

A to Z Wineworks is one of Oregon's largest wineries and the world's first certified B Corp winery.  Ste. Michelle is the leading winery in the Pacific Northwest. Some of its popular brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Erath, and in California, Stags Leap.

"Bank of the West's approach to this deal proved why they are such a valuable partner for wine industry leaders," said David Dearie, CEO, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "The acquisition of A to Z Wineworks by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates gives us a substantial presence in Oregon and complements our roots in the Pacific Northwest. We believe there are exciting growth opportunities ahead of the combined business and we look forward to working with Bank of the West as we continue to scale."

"We've provided both financing and strategic guidance to A to Z Wineworks for over 15 years," said Adam Beak, Managing Director, Head of Beverage Vertical, Bank of the West. "It was particularly gratifying to facilitate the acquisition to another Bank of the West client. This deal is the result of a long and successful relationship."

Bank of the West is one of the nation's largest commercial lenders to the wine industry and brings in-depth experience and global connections. Bank of the West has led the financing for some of the industry's largest deals, including the $1.2-billion acquisition of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates by Sycamore Partners in 2021.