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Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) is one of the leading importers of beers, wines and spirits, as well as the largest buyer and distributor of domestic vodka on a nationwide basis in Poland. CEDC operates 52 regional distribution centers in major urban areas throughout Poland. This US registered and publicly listed company has experienced tremendous growth and success in Poland over the last decade.
CEDC distributes over 800 brands, including many of the world's leading brands, such as Johnnie Walker, Stock Brandy, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Wild Turkey, Sutter Home, Mondavi and Concha y Toro wines, Corona, Beck's, Foster's, Budweiser Budvar and Guinness Stout beers.
CEDC distributes its products throughout Poland to approximately 20,000 outlets, including off-trade establishments, such as small businesses, medium size retail outlets, petrol stations, duty free stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets and on-trade locations, such as bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants.
CEDC's subsidiary, Carey Agri, was incorporated as a Polish limited liability company in July 1990. It was founded by three American businessmen, including the current Chairman and CEO, William V. Carey.
In 1993, with the acceleration of the privatization of retail outlets in Poland, Carey Agri began to implement a direct delivery system in Warsaw, which could deliver alcoholic beverages to retail outlets on a reliable next-day basis. Following this strategy, Carey Agri. opened seven branches throughout Poland from 1993-1996.
CEDC was incorporated in Delaware in 1997. In July 1998, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of its common stock in an initial public offering on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market, raising net proceeds of approximately US$ 10.6 million. In June 1999, the Company was accepted onto the NASDAQ National Market, where it trades under the symbol “CEDC.”
From March 1999 to the present, CEDC has acquired eight regional distributorships investing approximately US$ 33.2 million. During this period, the Company has grown from approximately 250 employees to 1,700 employees and has seen its sales rise from US$ 40 million in 1997, to US$ 294 million in 2002. The Company is projecting sales of US$ 415- 420 million in 2003. On September 1, 2003, Fortune Magazine ranked CEDC as the 18th fastest-growing company in the U.S. in its annual rankings.
Currently, CEDC has a leading share in the domestic spirit distribution market and a 10% market share in the whole alcohol market of approximately US$ 4 billion. CEDC is unique as a U.S. founded and managed company that has successfully listed on the U.S. capital markets and sold not only the Company’s success to investors, but the promise of Poland as well.
 
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