Wickwar Wessex acquires Cascade pub estate

The deal sees Wickwar acquire the Moles ales brands with Tolchards Drinks taking on the rest of the Cascade wholesale drinks business.

The business was sold by founders Roger and Laura Catte who have decided to retire after 30 years of running the business.

Wickwar and Tolchard have entered into a commercial partnership, with Tolchards supplying wines and spirits across the former’s expanded pub estate, and Wickwar supplying its own and Moles ales into the wider Tolchards business.

Wickwar chairman Mike Watts said: “This enhances the presence of independent brewing in the South West.

“We believe the quality and brewing craft of Moles and Wickwar align perfectly.

“This is a perfect example of independent businesses working in harmony to both preserve and enhance regional presence. I believe this is good for our respective operations and the continuance of locally sourced and admired brands.”

Watts, the former chief executive of Morland Brewing Co, runs the business – which dates back to 1860 – with Mike Flavin and Ian Frost, who were directors of Avebury Taverns, a 750 strong tenanted pub estate, before its sale to Punch Taverns in 2005.

The brewery produces cask ales Bob, Falling Star, Cotswold Way And Station Porter.