Conjure Cognac Announces Transition

MIAMI, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Conjure, the innovative new spirit from Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, today announced that after an exceptional first full year of operations, the company has appointed new co-CEOs to oversee the company's ongoing operations.

In addition to executing a national rollout in over 40 markets during its first full year, the brand achieved notable critical and commercial success. Conjure was the winner of Beverage Information Group's Rising Star Award and a gold medalist in both the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2011 Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Tasting Competition. Conjure also earned impressive reviews in leading publications, including, among others, The Tasting Panel and Wine Enthusiast. In the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2011, the brand has sold over 100,000 cases.

The company has appointed Kim Birkedal Hartmann and Jeff Dixon as its new co-CEOs. Both have served as Directors of the company since September 2010. Mr. Birkedal Hartmann is a fourth-generation wine and spirits producer out of France and Mr. Dixon is the co-founder of record label Disturbing tha Peace.

Mr. Birkedal Hartmann and Mr. Dixon, appointed in April 2011, are replacing Hans Holst and Paul-Andre Petersen of Birkedal Hartmann and Dr. Harry Kohlmann and Chris Mehringer of Park Street Advisors. Dr. Kohlmann and Mr. Mehringer, who stepped down earlier this year, oversaw the launch, operations build-out, and accelerated growth of the brand in the United States. Birkedal Hartmann and Park Street will remain investors in the company. Park Street Imports, LLC, an affiliate of Park Street Advisors, will continue to serve as the exclusive importer of Conjure Cognac in the United States.

Park Street's Managing Partner, Dr. Kohlmann, adds, "We are proud to have been involved in such a successful brand launch and look forward to the continued success of Conjure."

About Park Street Advisors

Founded in 2003 by a team of McKinsey & Company alumni, Park Street Advisors, LLC is a business-building and business-acceleration firm that assists talented companies in growth and value creation through the investment of management expertise and capital. The firm has a leading wine and spirits practice which works with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms to hedge funds, entrepreneurs, and early stage ventures.

About Park Street Imports

Park Street Imports, LLC is a technologically driven and results-oriented provider of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage import services. Park Street offers a customizable suite of back-office solutions to streamline access to the $154B U.S. beverage market. These solutions are completely turn-key and include, among others, logistics planning and management, accounting and account management, regulatory compliance, and data capture and analysis. The company is based in Miami, FL and was founded by Dr. Harry Kohlmann and Chris Mehringer. The company currently imports from, among other countries, Argentina, Chile, France, Brazil, the U.K., and South Africa. Park Street Imports is affiliated with Park Street Advisors, a management consulting and business-building firm based in Miami, FL.

About Conjure

Conjure is a collaboration between international superstar Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and famed cognac house Birkedal Hartmann, a producer of award-winning spirits since 1887. The company is based in Cognac, France, with offices in London, U.K. Conjure is made from the ugni blanc grape from blends that represent a variety of Cognac regions, including, among others, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Borderie. Conjure is a highly selective blend of 30 to 40 eaux-de-vie, aged in Limousin oak barrels up to 50 years old. The combination of Conjure's distinct blend and finely seasoned barrels provides an unparalleled complexity of smoothness, definition, and flavor. Conjure ... Imagine the Possibilities.

About Chris "Ludacris" Bridges

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is a celebrated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, as well as a connoisseur of fine spirits. Ludacris has sold over 20 million albums worldwide with each release being certified platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA. To date, he has released four Billboard #1 albums (including March 2010's Battle of the Sexes), won three Grammy Awards (including Best Rap Album for Release Therapy) and appeared in two Academy Award-winning films. In addition to his creative endeavors and business ventures, Mr. Bridges serves as Chairman and CEO of The Ludacris Foundation, an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of "Principles of Success."

Contact:

Park Street Advisors, LLC
Chris Mehringer
+1 305 967 7440
[email protected]
http://www.parkstreetadvisors.com

Park Street Imports, LLC
Nino Serafini
+1 305 967 7440
[email protected]
http://www.parkstreetimportsllc.com

Conjure Marketing, LLC
Miguel Lugo
[email protected]  

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SOURCE Conjure Marketing, LLC