Half Full Beer Co completes acquisition of Ilkley Brewery

West Yorkshire-based Half Full Beer Co has announced the acquisition of Ilkley Brewery for an undisclosed sum.

This deal is the first phase of the growth plans for Half Full Beer Co, which is headed by former Ilkley Brewery manager Luke Raven. There will be immediate investment in expansion of production at Ilkley, leading to the creation of more jobs.

Founded in 2009 by Chris Ives, Ilkley Brewery was set up with the help of Glentrool Capital Partners LLP, which invested a mixture of debt and equity in 2011, enabling the brewery to quadruple its output and become an extremely profitable business.

Today, Ilkley Brewery has the capacity to produce two million pints a year and its customers include Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Booths, as well as pub companies throughout the UK.

Furthermore, over 600 local pubs and restaurants regularly stock Ilkley Brewery beers.

Chris Ives said: “When I left the property sector and established Ilkley Brewery six years ago I had no idea it would be so successful in a relatively short space of time.

“I am extremely proud to have established Ilkley Brewery, and to have strategically guided it in the right direction. It is great to be passing over the reins to Half Full Beer Co who I know will continue my philosophy of brewing great beer.”

Paul Nolan for Glentrool Capital Partners, added: “Our investment in Ilkley Brewery has been very successful, having generated upper-quartile returns, resulting in its performance attracting a number of suitors. However we are delighted to have completed the deal with the team at Half Full Beer Co who are passionate about the business and recognise the potential growth of the company.”

Richard Shelton, Ilkley Brewery’s existing director will remain in his post.

Luke Raven, Half Full Beer Co’s managing director, also commented: “With the quality of its beers recognised, and demand high, the opportunity to continue to be a part of the Ilkley Brewery story was not one to be passed up. We are excited and focused on providing fresh impetus to continue building the Ilkley brand.”

The sellers were advised by Martin Frost at Lupton Fawcett Denison Till solicitors and corporate finance advice was provided by Paul Nolan at Glentrool Capital Partners. Tax Advice was provided by Garbutt & Elliot.

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