Blackhawks Owners Take Over Bacardi Distribution

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The corporate owner of the Blackhawks will now become the state's distributor for Bacardi rum and other products.

Crain's Chicago Business reports the Wirtz Beverage Group, the same unit of the Wirtz Corporation that also owns the Blackhawks, won the Bacardi account from one of its leading competitors.

The company will distribute all Bacardi products, including Bombay Sapphire gin and Grey Goose vodka, to local restaurants, bars and retail outlets, Crain's reported. Wirtz won the contract away from Miami-based Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc., according to Crain's.

The Wirtz family, led by Arthur Wirtz, purchased the Chicago Blackhawks in 1954. In 1966, Bill Wirtz became team president.

After Bill Wirtz's death in 2007, his son, Rocky Wirtz , took over as majority owner and board chairman for the team.