Leeds Brewery sells entire pub chain to Camerons Brewery

Leeds Brewery has completed the sale of its chain of pubs to Camerons Brewery.

Established in 2007 by Sam Moss and Michael Brothwell after they met at University, Leeds Brewery has agreed to sell all seven of its pubs to the Hartlepool-based company for an undisclosed sum.

All 100 employees of the pubs, which are based in Leeds and York, will transfer and be retained by Camerons Brewery.

Leeds Brewery, which currently has a weekly capacity of 150,000 pints, produces four permanent cask beers; Leeds Pale, Yorkshire Gold, Leeds Best and Midnight Bell, and a range of seasonal ales.

Following the deal, the business is looking to increase brewing capacity, create new beers and expand brewing operations within the region.

Founded in 1865, Camerons Brewery is the largest independent brewer in the North East. In 2013, the business acquired the ‘Head of Steam’ craft beer chain, which it has since expanded with the latest opening in Newcastle this summer.

Sam Moss from Leeds Brewery said: “Since we launched the business we have prided ourselves on both the beers we create and the pubs that we serve them in.

“Brewing beer is however our passion and this deal will allow us to focus on this so we can explore new opportunities for our existing beer brands as well as creating new ones.”

Philip Goldsborough, head of corporate at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, along with Julia Caiger led a multi-disciplined team of lawyers to advise Leeds Brewery.

Other members of the team included Daniel O’Connell, Employment Associate Padma Tadi, Real Estate Associate David Cowgill, Commercial Partner Joanne Bone, Banking partner Paddy Sturman and Tax partner Alex Barnes.

Philip said: “We are delighted to have advised Leeds Brewery on the strategic sale of its pub estate and look forward to working with Sam, Michael and their team as they focus on the continued growth of the brewery operations.”

Watson Burton acted for Camerons Brewery on the acquisition, providing legal support throughout the process. The Watson Burton team was led by Duncan Reid, partner and national head of corporate at Watson Burton, and included Sarah Wilshere, associate and Kirsty Adamson, solicitor.

Duncan Reid, partner and national head of corporate at Watson Burton, said: “Watson Burton has worked with Camerons Brewery for many years and we are delighted to have supported the company on this recent acquisition.

“Both our Newcastle and Leeds offices played a key role in our work with Camerons Brewery in this case. Drawing on our substantial experience in the leisure sector, we liaised closely with John Foots and his team to help this deal reach a successful conclusion.

“I am sure this acquisition will prove highly successful as the company moves forward.”

David Ward, Tax Partner at UNW who also acted on the deal, commented: “Camerons Brewery is a strong North East brand which continues to go from strength to strength. This acquisition underlines their ongoing success and their commitment to growth and the obvious synergies between the companies shows why the fit is such a good one.”