Lion sells craft brewers Magic Rock and Fourpure
The sale of Huddersfield-based Magic Rock, which makes beers such as Cannonball, Hire Wire Grapefruit and Dairy Freak, and Bermondsey-based Fourpure, which has Bermondsey Lager and Bermondsey Hazy Pale Ale in its portfolio, also includes the breweries and taprooms in London, Huddersfield and Holmfirth and Little Creatures craft beer hospitality venue in King’s Cross, London.
The next level
Kent-based Odyssey Inns, which is led by Devon-based Utopian Brewing and Faucet Inn founder Stephen Cox, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to take two exceptional brands, Fourpure and Magic Rock, to the next level. Combined with an excellent hospitality proposition, fantastic people and state-of-the-art breweries, we really have the platform to do great things.
“We’re excited to get started and get to know the team. We bring bags of energy and enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit and strong industry experience, and we hope to bring joy to many more customers with these great beers.”
Clear passion
Gordon Treanor, UK managing director of Lion, which is a subsidiary of Japanese giant Kirin Brewery Company, said: “Odyssey brings together a great team with a clear passion for brewing and hospitality and is ideally placed to take Magic Rock and Fourpure forward.
“I’d like to thank our brilliant team for their commitment and dedication, especially over the past two years. With some great sales and brand momentum, the business is well placed for the future ahead, under new ownership.”
The sale will see Lion focus future investment towards its businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Lion acquired Fourpure in July 2018 and went on to take ownership of Magic Rock in March 2019. It later put both businesses under the banner of Little World Beverages in January 2020.
