Everards sells freetrade business

Everards Brewery has agreed to sell its independent freetrade business to WaverleyTBS with effect from June 30.

WaverleyTBS will acquire an independent freetrade business with a £12m turnover, along with a 10 year agreement to supply wines, spirits, minerals and packaged beers to Everards' 161-strong pub estate.

WaverleyTBS has also signed an agreement to sell Everards' cask ales through its UK-wide distribution network over the next 10 years.

Everards cask ale brands include Tiger Best Bitter, Everards Original, Beacon Bitter and Sunchaser Blonde.

Stephen Gould, managing director for the family brewer based in Leicester, said: "We believe this deal enables us to focus our efforts and resources on what we do best, which is running a high quality pub estate and brewing fine cask ales."

WaverleyTBS will be leasing office and warehouse space at Everards' headquarters, creating its own Leicester depot at the Castle Acres site.

The sale affects 34 Everards employees. Following a period of consultation, 25 staff will transfer employment to WaverleyTBS while continuing to be based at Castle Acres. It is anticipated that, on completion of the deal, there will be no more than nine redundancies.

WaverleyTBS will supply and deliver a full composite range of drinks to more than 500 freetrade customers. Everards will retain sales of its ales to these customers, and anticipates growth for its brands through the UK-wide distribution brought by WaverleyTBS.

Stephen Brogan, trading director for national sales at WaverleyTBS, said: "We are pleased to announce this deal with Everards as a win-win situation for all parties concerned. While we are able to expand our on-trade presence with the best composite offer in the market, Everards is able to concentrate on the continued growth of its high quality pub estate and cask ale brands."