Founding partner about the idea of Arendal Vintners

Founding partener, Cato Litangen

The interest in wine and the wine trade developed when part-timing in the Norwegian Wine Monopoly beside studies in political science and public management. The public opinion is that the institution secures high quality and reasonable pricing to the benefit of the consumer in Norway. At the same time it works as a good policy instrument for lowering the consumption in the population. Behind this monopolized retailing there are authorized private companies, doing imports and representation of foreign wine makers. Arendal Vintners is among them.

Arendal Vintners materialize the combination of traditional quality and new ways of doing things.

The normal trade happens by traditional representation and tenders from the Monopoly. Arendal Vintners is adhering to this system. However we also see an opportunity in the trade that develops from the extensive information platforms in the industry, and we try to use these systems to shape new services in the Norwegian market. This endeavour represents our “innovative approach” to the Norwegian business. So for me, Arendal Vintners materialize the combination of traditional quality and new ways of doing things.

:-)

Cato Litangen

Joins Arendal Vintners after years in France

Lars Nerdrum joins Arendal Vintners

Lars Nerdrum has recently joined Arendal Vintners AS, and acquired 25 per cent of its shares. Mr. Nerdrum did most of his upper secondary education in France, and has just arrived Norway after four years in Paris, working within international policy cooperation. He holds a Phd in socio-economics. The many years in France grew his interest in wine, and spent much time visiting appelations and producers throughout the country. In Arendal Vintners he has the possibility to continue his exploration, and to become the Norwegian representative of the ones that have the conditions, the skills and stories which are needed to break through in the business.  

Lawyer enters Arendal Vintners

Lars Fensli Hvalgård-Bakke has acquired 25 per cent of shares in Arendal Vintners as part of a private placement the company did in early September. Mr. Hvalgård-Bakke also runs a law-practice, and is specialized in corporate issues. Besides being a lawyer he has an in-dept knowledge of the wine-business, both from the tasting side and the economical related aspects. He is frequently travelling to in Piemonte and other wine producing areas in Italy and France. Having spent years of his education in Germany, he also has a soft spot for German wines.

Arendal Vintners is working within a highly regulated sector in Norway. His judical expertise is an obvious reason for inviting Mr. Hvalgård-Bakke to take part in the ownership of the company. However, his amazing insight in the world of wine, that was the real reason!