London-based brewer Fuller’s has strengthened its position in the craft beer market by acquiring UK-based Dark Star Brewing Company.
Fuller’s has taken a 100% stake in the company, however Dark Star will retain its current management setup and will continue to operate as a standalone business.
The deal gives Dark Star access to additional funds which will allow it to introduce its range of craft beers such as Hophead, Dark Star Original and Revelation to new markets, and introduce new bottle and can formats.
Fuller’s identified Dark Star as a potential acquisition as it felt the company’s beers would enhance its product portfolio both nationally and internationally.
Managing Director of Fuller’s Simon Dodd said: “Following on from the success we have had with our acquisition of Cornish Orchards, we have been looking at similar opportunities to invest in and work with young, exciting companies that have a similar ethos and commitment to quality as Fuller’s.
“Following discussions with James and the team at Dark Star, we could see that we could add real benefit to the Dark Star business and it provides a great new range of delicious cask beers that will enhance the Fuller’s portfolio.
“Both Fuller’s and Dark Star are brewers with quality and taste at their heart. I just can’t wait to see how Dark Star innovates further with the support of Fuller’s and access to our expertise in brewing, retailing and business elements such as finance, purchasing and IT systems.”
James Cuthbertson, managing director of the Dark Star Brewing Company said: “Since our inception in 1994, we have continuously grown from those early days in The Evening Star Pub in Brighton to the current brewery in Partridge Green.
“The partnership with Fuller’s, another independent brewery with fantastic heritage and great beer at its very core, will allow us to take the brewery to the next level.
“The deal means we will continue to do what we do, but gives us huge opportunities to brew more one-off small batch beers hand-in-hand with exploring the export market and expanded bottle and can formats.”
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