August 31, 2026
–Deal News
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Sullivan represented Horizon Beverage Group Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors, in its sale to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol. The acquisition marks an exciting expansion for Southern Glazer’s, adding Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the 46th and 47th markets in its U.S. footprint, alongside operations in Canada and the Caribbean.
“We are grateful to Horizon’s employees, customers, and partners for so many years of success, and this transition represents an even brighter future for all,” said Bob Epstein, CEO/President at Horizon. “We’re confident that Southern Glazer’s strength and scale will not only support a smooth integration, but also create new opportunities for growth and success.”
“We’re committed to maintaining the exceptional service that Horizon is known for while bringing the added benefits of being part of the Southern Glazer’s family,” added Jim Rubenstein, CEO/Treasurer at Horizon. “This partnership ensures stability and growth for all stakeholders and strengthens our ability to deliver value across the board.”
Lewis N. Segall, Charles E. Chambers Jr., Ida J. Vanto, Sharon G. Leifer, Steven M. Cunningham, Jr. and Christopher C. Curtis
On September 16, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued two proposals that, if adopted, would represent significant changes to the federal proxy rules for U.S. public companies. The first proposal would eliminate Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Rule 14a-8 currently requires companies to include qualifying shareholder proposals in their proxy materials and has been part of the federal proxy rules for more than
Partner Geoffrey Wynne will participate in The Trade Finance Compliance Conference hosted by leading global consultancy HKA and IIBLP (the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice) in London on October 6, the theme of which is “Inside Real-World Trade Finance Compliance Decision-Making.” Geoff will join the panel discussing “Fraud, TBML (Trade-Based Money Laundering) and credit risk - one fact pattern, three silos” which will be moderated by Lorna Strong (Associate
Molly Depew will co-present “Estate Tax and the Gross Estate,” a webinar hosted by the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, on October 8, alongside Preston Channing Demouchet. The first session in the ABA’s “Basics of Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax” webinar series will review the application of the federal estate tax. Topics will include the tax rate and unified credit for residents and non-residents,
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the “SJC”) affirmed the dismissal of the Town of Marshfield’s challenge to the MBTA Communities Act (the “Act” or “Section 3A”).[1] The decision confirms that covered municipalities must adopt and maintain zoning that permits multifamily housing as of right in at least one district. It also rejects Marshfield’s four principal theories for avoiding that obligation, which are explored in more
Sullivan partners Carole Bass and Douglas Schneidman have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide among New York City’s Leading Wealth, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers. Carole, who leads the firm’s Private Clients/Trusts & Estates practice, was named a leading lawyer, and Doug was named a recommended lawyer. Carole advises high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, family offices and fiduciaries on estate, wealth transfer and trust planning. She designs sophisticated, tax-efficient
Richard Jones will speak on a panel discussion titled "Practitioner Feedback" on October 8, 2026, at the 46th Annual National Conference of State Tax Judges at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Conference meets annually to review recent state tax decisions, consider methods of dealing with complex tax and valuation disputes, and share experiences in case management. Rich's practitioner-focused panel will explore practical strategies and best practices
The Massachusetts Appeals Court recently issued a useful reminder that aggressive discovery positions risk negative consequences far beyond facing motions to compel. In Old Ironsides Energy LLC v. Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC[1], the court affirmed summary judgment against a plaintiff seeking approximately $20 million in damages after concluding that the plaintiff lacked admissible expert testimony necessary to prove its claimed damages. The $20 million kicker? Expert testimony would have been admissible
First, a crucial clarification. While The Princess Bride (the wonderful movie) has the frame narrative of a grandfather who reads the book to his grandson, The Princess Bride (the wonderful book) has the frame narrative of a man whose father read it to him, and who wants to share it with his own son. The book is out of print, and the man sends his lawyer to a used bookstore
Alexandra (Ali) Wannop, counsel in Sullivan’s Real Estate Practice Group, was featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s “2026 Women in CRE: CREW Boston Member Spotlight.” In the feature, Ali reflects on how advice from an early mentor shaped her approach to resolving complex title issues. She emphasizes the value of looking beyond conventional interpretations and questioning assumptions to find solutions in challenging transactions. “I’ve learned that what looks like a dead
On September 16, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued two proposals that, if adopted, would represent significant changes to the federal proxy rules for U.S. public companies. The first proposal would eliminate Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Rule 14a-8 currently requires companies to include qualifying shareholder proposals in their proxy materials and has been part of the federal proxy rules for more than
Partner Geoffrey Wynne will participate in The Trade Finance Compliance Conference hosted by leading global consultancy HKA and IIBLP (the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice) in London on October 6, the theme of which is “Inside Real-World Trade Finance Compliance Decision-Making.” Geoff will join the panel discussing “Fraud, TBML (Trade-Based Money Laundering) and credit risk - one fact pattern, three silos” which will be moderated by Lorna Strong (Associate
Molly Depew will co-present “Estate Tax and the Gross Estate,” a webinar hosted by the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, on October 8, alongside Preston Channing Demouchet. The first session in the ABA’s “Basics of Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax” webinar series will review the application of the federal estate tax. Topics will include the tax rate and unified credit for residents and non-residents,
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the “SJC”) affirmed the dismissal of the Town of Marshfield’s challenge to the MBTA Communities Act (the “Act” or “Section 3A”).[1] The decision confirms that covered municipalities must adopt and maintain zoning that permits multifamily housing as of right in at least one district. It also rejects Marshfield’s four principal theories for avoiding that obligation, which are explored in more
Sullivan partners Carole Bass and Douglas Schneidman have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide among New York City’s Leading Wealth, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers. Carole, who leads the firm’s Private Clients/Trusts & Estates practice, was named a leading lawyer, and Doug was named a recommended lawyer. Carole advises high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, family offices and fiduciaries on estate, wealth transfer and trust planning. She designs sophisticated, tax-efficient
