Carlsberg UK Craft Brewers Acquisition: “Probably the Best Brewery Deal in the World”
04 Jul 2017 --- Carlsberg UK has acquired London Fields Brewery and will operate the business in a joint venture with Brooklyn Brewery from Brooklyn, New York. Carlsberg UK has not disclosed the financial details of the acquisition, however London Fields Brewery has been on the market since its founder, Jules De Vere Whiteway-Wilkinson, was charged with tax fraud.
London Fields Brewery, which was founded in 2011 in the vibrant London Fields neighborhood of Hackney, London, came to prominence through its range of iconic craft beers including Craft Lager, Easy IPA and Shoreditch Triangle IPA. Over the years it’s craft range has gained somewhat of a cult following.
Whiteway-Wilkinson was charged last year for failing to pay a suspected £1 million tax bill, but it is understood that he denies the allegations against him.
The London Fields Brewery will operate as an independent business within the joint venture between Carlsberg and Brooklyn Brewery.
Its craft beer range will become part of the Danish brewer’s core portfolio in the UK and will also form part of its House of Beers range – which caters for premium venues across London and other major cities, and which already includes the Brooklyn Brewery craft beer portfolio.
“We’re thrilled to add London Fields Brewery to our growing portfolio of great quality craft and specialty beers,” said Julian Momen, Carlsberg UK's CEO.
“Our customers, and specifically those in London and other major cities, are looking to us to offer them the best possible range of interesting craft beers – and we think that, with nurturing, London Fields Brewery has huge potential. It’s the right move for us as we build a credible craft portfolio.”
Currently, London Fields Brewery beers are brewed outside of Hackney by a brewing partner. Investment will be made to re-introduce brewing at its original home under the railway arches in Hackney, and to upgrade its tap-room and events space.
As part of the joint venture, Brooklyn Brewery will work together with the London Fields Brewery team to continue developing innovative, tasty and well balanced beers.
“We’re excited to be able to work closely with this great London-based craft brewery. The range of beers, their eye-catching artwork and the great location of the brewery in Hackney makes for a fantastic platform,” says Eric Ottaway, CEO of Brooklyn Brewery.
“London Fields Brewery is surrounded by a thriving creative community that reminds us of home, and we're looking forward to becoming part of it.”
Julian De Vere Whiteway-Wilkinson helped establish London Fields Brewery in Hackney in 2011.
Momen adds: “We thank Julian for his work in establishing London Fields Brewery and the creation of this exciting brand, and we wish him well in the future. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled and energized to be working with Brooklyn Brewery to create something very special in Hackney in the years to come.”
