S&N strikes lager deal with Thwaites

Daniel Thwaites brewery has struck a deal with Scottish & Newcastle UK (S&N UK) to purchase the entire rights for the production, marketing and sales of the LCL Pils beer brand.

LCL Pils was purchased by S&N in 2004, as part of its acquisition of the Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery in Gateshead. Thwaites will take control of the brand with effect from December 21 and will integrate it into their existing portfolio.

Tim Seager, acting managing director of S&N UK, said: "These new arrangements are part of S&N's continuous strategy to unlock value in our non-core brands through new ownership arrangements.

"LCL Pils has found an ideal new home at Thwaites, and they have the expertise and resources necessary to develop the brand. We will, of course, continue to work closely with them to ensure all our existing LCL Pils customers continue to have access to the brand."

Brian Jenkins, sales & marketing Director for Thwaites, said: "This is a significant brand acquisition for Thwaites.

"The North-East is a strategic market for us to develop and as the leading regional brewer in the North of England the inclusion of LCL Pils will undoubtedly open new doors and give us a distribution platform on which we can build for the future."

Thwaites will take responsibility for the sales and marketing from LCL Pils from December 21 and brewing will transfer across to their Star Brewery in Blackburn by early 2008.

Under the sale arrangements, S&N will continue to supply LCL Pils to its existing on-trade regional customers, with Thwaites taking over national accounts, all take-home accounts, and any new business.