St Austell Brewery has bought fellow West Country brewer and pub company, Bath Ales Limited.
The deal, which has been completed for an undisclosed amount, includes: The Bath Ales brewery, situated between Bath and Bristol, its portfolio of beer brands and its 11-strong pub estate.
St Austell Brewery chief executive, James Staughton, said: “As a business, St Austell Brewery has a strong commitment to Cornwall and south west England and the deal supports our strategy to strengthen and extend our presence in the Bristol and Bath region.
“Together St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales will deliver solid and distinctive offerings to customers combining conscious innovation, service excellence and the scaling of what works.
“For a long time Bath Ales has been a company I have admired and this exciting acquisition provides the coming together of two like-minded businesses.”
Staughton added: “Bath Ales brews great beer and has a thriving pub estate, both of which complement those of St Austell Brewery. As part of the acquisition we are committing to a long-term significant investment in the Bath Ales brands, pub estate, people and brewing facilities.”
Roger Jones, founder of Bath Ales, added: “This is a really exciting move for Bath Ales. With the investment and broader support from St Austell Brewery we are better placed to capture the opportunity that exists for Bath Ales.
“We are confident that we can also make a strong contribution to their operations so that the combined organisation can really set the standard for quality beers and outstanding venues.”
Bath Ales, founded in 1995, brews a successful award-winning range of beers including Gem and Barnsey and operates a pub estate in Bristol, Bath, Cirencester and Oxford. Current Bath Ales directors, including managing director Roger Jones, will play an active role during the transition and integration process.
All of St Austell Brewery’s beers will continue to be brewed in St Austell.
