Business Partner Split: Dividing and Selling High Value Bottles
When business partners split, dividing shared assets like wine and spirits collections can become complicated. A neutral sale often makes the division simpler and cleaner.
What to Do Next
Determine what the partnership agreement says about asset division. If bottles were purchased with business funds, they are business assets.
Getting a neutral valuation helps partners agree on fair division. One partner can buy out the other, or the collection can be sold and proceeds divided.
- Review partnership agreement regarding asset division
- Confirm who has authority to sell or receive offers
- Document the collection with photos and inventory
- Get a neutral offer to establish value
- Decide whether to sell or have one partner buy out the other
What Information Matters for Pricing
We provide offers based on current market value. This gives both partners a neutral basis for discussion.
- Producer names and vintages
- Quantities and bottle sizes
- Storage conditions
- Original packaging or wood cases
- Any purchase documentation or records
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Letting disputes delay the sale can be costly if storage fees apply or if bottles need to be moved.
Piecemeal division where each partner takes bottles can lead to disagreements about relative values.
- Dividing bottles without establishing equal values
- Delaying while paying storage costs
- Selling without partner agreement or authorization
- Discarding original packaging
- Using valuations based on retail prices instead of what buyers pay
How the Process Works
We provide a written offer that both partners can review. This serves as a neutral market valuation.
- Submit photos and inventory through our form or text to 213-770-9463
- We provide a written offer within one to three business days
- Share the offer with all partners for discussion
- If you decide to sell, confirm authorization and we coordinate logistics
- Payment is issued after we receive and verify the bottles
Privacy and Safety Notes
The offer we provide is confidential and can be shared among partners as needed.
We provide documentation suitable for partnership dissolution records.
We do not take sides in disputes. Our role is to provide fair market value and handle the transaction if you choose to sell.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both partners need to agree to the sale?
We confirm authorization before proceeding. Typically both partners should agree, or one partner should have documented authority to sell partnership assets.
Can one partner use your offer to buy out the other?
Yes. Our offer represents fair market value. One partner can pay that amount to the other to keep the collection.
What if partners disagree about whether to sell?
We can provide a valuation for discussion purposes. You are not obligated to sell. Sometimes having a concrete number helps partners reach agreement.
How do we split payment?
We issue payment to the authorized seller. Division between partners is handled according to your agreement.
What if the collection is at one partner's location?
We can pick up from wherever the collection is located. Coordinate access with whoever controls the storage location.
How long is the offer valid?
We specify validity when we provide the offer. Typically offers are valid for two to four weeks. If you need more time to reach agreement, let us know.