The newly formed group, backed by the family entrepreneurs behind Paramount Retail Group, said the deal forms part of a long-term strategy to protect and rebuild iconic British regional breweries.
Alongside Black Sheep, the transaction secures brands including Purity Brewing Co, Brew By Numbers, Brick Brewery, North Brewing Company, Magic Rock Brewing and Fourpure Brewing Co.
Black Sheep will sit alongside brands from Saltaire Brewery under the Great British Drinks Company umbrella.
The deal follows Black Sheep’s warning last month that it was exploring new investment after owner Keystone Brewing Group filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator as a protective measure, while continuing to trade and supply beer as normal.
Great British Drinks Company co-founder Sunny Sharma said the group’s approach was rooted in stewardship rather than consolidation.
“Our approach is to ensure each brewery and its brands maintain their distinctiveness and independence. That only comes from the people and places involved, not through consolidation. Our ethos is one of stewardship.”
Backing regional craft beer
Black Sheep, which has a strong presence across UK supermarkets as well as pubs and restaurants, is being acquired for around £4.5m, with a further £2m earmarked for future investment to return the business to growth.
Sharma added: “We are backing regional craft beer and rebuilding some of the nation’s best loved brands. These sites are not just businesses. They are community assets and important drivers of local tourism.”
The Great British Drinks Company has combined sales of £28m and said its financial position allowed it to take a long-term view on restoring heritage brewing businesses.
‘Restoring pride’
Ravi Sharma, co-founder of the group, said the deal went beyond a typical acquisition. “This is not just a restoration deal. It is about restoring pride to Yorkshire. The region has a proud brewing heritage and we could not stand by and let that be lost.”
He added: “The next few months will be exciting. The business has fantastic people, brilliant customers and a group of suppliers that we will be very focused on rebuilding relationships with. Great British Drinks Company is open for business and here for the long term.”
Black Sheep Brewery was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston in Masham, North Yorkshire, and also holds UK licences for brands including Hofmeister and Sassy cider.
