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UK independent drinks wholesaler LWC Drinks has acquired Wigan Beer Company, expanding its presence across the North West and North Wales.

The acquisition, completed on 1 August 2026, also includes Wigan Beer’s Keegan’s operation in Holyhead, bringing both businesses into the LWC group.

Wigan Beer Company supplies pubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues across the North West, while Keegan’s serves customers from its Holyhead site.

LWC said the acquisition will strengthen its independent route-to-market across the two regions, combining the local expertise and customer relationships of Wigan Beer and Keegan’s with its national distribution network.

The enlarged operation will provide customers with access to LWC’s wider product portfolio, including its Signature Brands range and wine offering, alongside its logistics, customer support and fulfilment infrastructure.

For the remainder of 2026, Wigan Beer and Keegan’s will continue operating from their existing locations to maintain continuity for customers and employees.

From 2027, LWC plans to integrate the Wigan Beer operation into its Knowsley and Leyland depots. Keegan’s will continue operating from its Holyhead site for the foreseeable future.

Ebrahim Mukadam, managing director at LWC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wigan Beer and Keegan’s to the LWC family. Harry, Adam and the team have built an excellent reputation across the North West and North Wales, founded on strong customer relationships, outstanding service and a deep understanding of the hospitality sector.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting customers for the long term. By combining LWC's national network and infrastructure with the local expertise and trusted relationships developed by Wigan Beer and Keegan’s, we will create an even stronger proposition for hospitality operators across both regions.”

Adam Jones, managing director of Wigan Beer Company, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with an organisation that shares our values and commitment to customer service. LWC is a respected independent wholesaler with a strong reputation for supporting customers and investing in the future.

“We believe this partnership represents a positive opportunity for our customers, colleagues and supplier partners, while ensuring the personal service and relationships that have always been central to our success remain unchanged.”

LWC said the acquisition will also create additional opportunities for employees through access to its wider business and career development programmes.

The deal forms part of LWC’s ongoing expansion of its distribution network and operational capacity across the UK.