Sky News has learnt that Komerz, a UK-based distribution platform, is among the bidders circling Majestic.
Industry sources described Komerz as a serious contender to buy the business from current owner Fortress Investment Group.
Komerz’s involvement in the process pits it against Tesco, which Sky News revealed last weekend was among the interested parties vying for Majestic.
Any deal is likely to cost a buyer several hundred million pounds.
Komerz, which has previously said that it is undertaking a financing round valuing it at £500m, describes itself as an “AI-powered platform uniting commerce, marketing, data and distribution”.
Its acquisition of Great Wines Direct last year is understood to have given it confidence to make a competitive offer for Majestic.
Founded in 2023, the company has also acquired businesses as diverse as haircare brand NOUGHTY and Glassbox, a brand and marketing consultancy.
Komerz declined to comment on Thursday on its interest in Majestic Wine.
A formal auction of the wine group kicked off several weeks ago, overseen by bankers at Rothschild.
Majestic trades from a network of more than 200 stores across the UK and Jersey, employing more than 1,000 people.
It was separated from Naked Wines, the online wine retailer, when Fortress acquired most of the business for £95m in 2019.
Under Fortress’s ownership, Majestic Wine has undergone an ambitious transformation programme since the acquisition, with new store openings, improvements to product ranges and an expansion of the brand’s online presence all having been prioritised.
The chain has opened more than 20 additional sites since 2019, with further openings planned alongside a strategy to grow its commercial business-to-business operation.
Two years ago, Majestic swooped to acquire Vagabond Wines, a chain of bars, out of administration, for an undisclosed sum.
It also operates the brand Enotria, which it bought last year.
Through Enotria and its commercial business, Majestic Wine has become one of the largest wine and spirits suppliers in the UK, partnering with gastropubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues.
