One of the UK’s most recognisable alcohol retailers is up for sale… again. Fortress investment group is preparing to offload Britain’s largest specialist wine retailer, Majestic Wine, nearly seven years after taking control of the business. Founded in 1980, Majestic Wine operates over 200 stores nationwide and employs over 1,000 staff. American multi-manager investment firm Fortress acquired Majestic Wine in 2019 for £95m.

The business is in the early stages of planning the sale, with Rothschild overlooking the process, according to Sky News. Sources told Sky that the formal action won’t take place until early next year. The price that Fortress is seeking however in this seven-year turnaround, remains unclear.

The potential sale comes after a spell of notable change for the business, with its shares down by 8.9% year to date and trading at 66p, Retail Gazette reports.

Since Fortess’s acquisition, Majestic has opened new stores, broadened the versatility in its product range and enhanced its online presence.

More than 20 additional stores have been opened over the past seven years, with more said to be in the works.

Majestic has had a streak of acquisitions, expanding beyond its core retail business. Two years ago, it snapped up Vagabond Wines for an undisclosed sum, and last year it acquired Enotria, helping to strengthen its position in the commercial market.

As such, its dealmaking and expansion in its commercial arm has morphed Majestic into the UK’s largest wine and spirits suppliers.

Sales growth increased to 0.9% over the five weeks ending December 29, which was their strongest Christmas trading performance to date.

However, Majestic noted that trading conditions have become more difficult, despite earlier momentum. The company cited weakening consumer confidence, driven by ongoing cost of living pressures, uncertainty over tax policy and rising mortgage costs.

It also highlighted increasing employment expenses, including higher National Minimum Wage rates, alongside the effects of the UK’s new alcohol duty system, which is described as “highly complex”

At a time when consumer-facing businesses are contending with rising costs and inconsistent demand, investor appetite in any potential sale is likely to be tested.

Despite this, Majestic’s trajectory under Fortress has been impactful: What was once part of a wider listed group has been reshaped into a more focused, specialist retailer, with a growing commercial operation, a larger store network and a versatile brand portfolio.

Now, Fortress appears to be weighing whether the time is right to cash in.