The supermarket duopoly's expansion in the alcohol market is gaining traction it seems, with rumours Coles and Woolworths have both registered interest in the purchase of Ultimo Wine Centre.
According to AFR, "Coles has been looking for ways to accelerate liquor sales growth and returns while improving its store network, while Woolworths is keen to grow its direct, online and premium wine business, which received a boost from the $340m acquisition of Cellarmasters in 2011 and Langton's Fine Wine in 2009."
Ultimo Wine Centre has an annual turnover of more than $4m and is owned by Jon Osbeiston, who, according to The Shout, declined to comment on the supermarket chains' interest.
Its website reads, "The Ultimo Wine Centre has, since it’s inception in late 1994, been considered one of the leading retail wine stores in Sydney and Australia. With a second to none range of imported wines Ultimo sets the standard for other retailers."