By Amy Looker

Ultimo Wine Centre owner Jon Osbeiston has declined to comment on reports that Woolworths has emerged as frontrunner to acquire the successful Sydney outlet.

The Australian Financial Review today tipped Woolies as the main suitor for the store, which has annual turnover in excess of $4 million. Rival Coles Liquor was named as another possible buyer.

But Osbeiston would confirm only that the sale of the outlet, which is being managed by Manenti Quinlan, had attracted interest from a number of parties.

"We have been out to tender and progressing with various people but we're not in a position to comment at the moment," Osbeiston told TheShout.

Osbeiston indicated he would be willing to stay on as manager of the store once the sale was finalised.

"I've been running this business for over 20 years, seven days a week. I just feel it’s time for an injection to take it to the next level."

Woolworths spokespersons declined to comment.

The Shout Team

The leading online news service for Australia's beer, wine, spirits and hospitality industries.

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