Beer Distribution Acquisition & Retail Property Purchase
Acquisition Study | Site Selection | Transaction Management
5430 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Landmark Commercial Realty has supported these clients for more than five years, helping them acquire and lease retail properties across PA, MD, and NJ. Built on long-term relationships and collaboration since 1988, Landmark brought deep market and regulatory expertise to this project. Working closely with the buyers, the team secured an existing beer distribution license and identified a prime Dauphin County location for a new distribution center. Despite complex regulations and transactional challenges, Landmark delivered a seamless, strategic solution that set the clients up for longterm success.
Project Profile
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Client: | Confidential |
| Industry: | Beer Distributor |
| Location: | Dauphin County, PA |
| Transaction: | $2,250,000 |
When AEG began exploring a relocation from their outdated, multi-story office in Harrisburg, they needed a solution that balanced function, flexibility, and financial practicality. More than just securing a new space, they sought a partner who could help them rethink how their workspace could support evolving workflows and team growth.
Services Provided:
Landmark’s services encompassed acquisition strategy, buyer representation, site selection, due diligence coordination, license transfer support, and full transaction management from negotiations through settlement.
Key Objectives
The project centered on four core objectives that guided every stage of the acquisition, site selection, and licensing process.
🎯 SECURE A STRATEGIC LICENSE
Acquire an existing beer distribution license in Dauphin County to enable immediate market entry and meet PLCB requirements.
📌 ID & ACQUIRE A PRIME RETAIL LOCATION
Locate a property that meets strict operational and regulatory criteria—10,000 SF, ample parking, strong visibility, major road access, proper zoning, and supportive demographics.
🤝️ NAVIGATE COMPLEX NEGOTIATIONSe
Manage multiparty negotiations and resolve legal challenges, including attorney transitions, to keep the transaction moving forward.
✅ ENSURE SEAMLESS CLOSING & COMPLIANCE
Coordinate financing, settlement, and the full PLCB license transfer to deliver a compliant, turnkey solution.
Our Approach
A Strategic, MultiStep Solution Backed by Team Expertise
Market Research & Site Selection
We conducted an extensive market review and identified 5430 Jonestown Road as the ideal option—meeting operational needs, zoning requirements, and offering excellent visibility, access, and expansion potential.
Negotiation & Transaction Management
We guided both parties through key deal terms and resolved disruptions caused by an outoftown attorney by transitioning the buyers to a seasoned local attorney. This restored momentum and kept negotiations on track.
License Acquisition & Compliance
When the license agreement was unexpectedly terminated, we acted quickly—reestablishing trust with the seller through direct outreach and inperson meetings. We reinstated the agreement and brought in Fran O’Brien, former PLCB counsel, to navigate the complex regulatory process.
Financing & Settlement Coordination
We secured financing through Orrstown Bank and oversaw all closing logistics. When a lastminute buyer emergency delayed settlement, we adjusted the timeline seamlessly and finalized the closing on January 6, 2026.
Collaboration That Made It Possible
Teamwork was central to the project's success
Bo Mangam, Director, Sales & Leasing, who has worked with these clients for over five years, provided deep insight into their goals and longterm strategy, ensuring every decision aligned with their vision.
Chuck Heller, SIOR, Executive Vice President, applied his market expertise while representing the seller, facilitating communication and helping maintain deal stability.
Together, their coordinated efforts transformed obstacles into opportunities and reinforced Landmark’s commitment to trusted relationships and successful outcomes.
Tenant Solutions
Success in a Complex Transaction
Landmark Commercial Realty delivered a seamless outcome on a highly complex assignment involving both the transfer of a beer distribution license and the acquisition of a retail property. Despite multiple regulatory, legal, and timing challenges, our strategic approach positioned our clients for long-term growth and operational success.
Strategic Wins
- License Secured
The Lykens Valley Beverage beer distribution license was successfully transferred to the buyers after navigating stringent legal and PLCB requirements—allowing the seller to retire and the buyers to begin immediate market entry.
- Property Acquired
The buyers purchased 5430 Jonestown Road for $2,250,000, securing a high-visibility, properly zoned 10,000+ SF site ideal for a future distribution center.
- Future-Ready Facility
Plans are underway for a state-of-the-art beer distribution hub, engineered to meet all PLCB and township standards while supporting long-term scalability.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
- Strategic Expansion
Enabled our clients to enter a competitive, high-demand market with a fully supported, turnkey real estate and licensing solution.
- Risk Mitigation
Resolved multiple attorney conflicts, reinstated terminated agreements, and ensured 100% PLCB compliance throughout the process.
- Operational Efficiency
Coordinated financing and settlement timelines to prevent delays and maintain transaction momentum—even during lastminute disruptions.
Building for the Future
Looking Ahead
- The new distribution center will set a benchmark for efficiency, compliance, and customer experience in the region. Renovations are scheduled to begin soon, aligning with both PLCB requirements and Lower Paxton Township standards.
- Modernized Layout Optimized for fast inventory flow, streamlined operations, and backofhouse efficiency.
- Technology Integration Advanced point-of-sale systems and real-time inventory management tools will boost accuracy and speed.
- Customer-Centric Design Enhanced accessibility with wide aisles, clear signage, and convenient parking.
- Sustainability Features Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, and environmentally conscious systems will reduce long-term operating costs.
