Black Sheep Brewery buys York Brewery & pubs out of administration

The Black Sheep Brewery plc has purchased York Brewery, transferring in excess of 40 jobs to its business. The brewery had entered administration on Thursday 13 December, together with its parent company, Mitchell’s of Lancaster.

Black Sheep has acquired the £2.1m-turnover York Brewery and brands as well as four outlets in the business as part of the deal, which is for an undisclosed sum.

The pubs include:
Last Drop Inn, York
Mr Foley’s Tap House, Leeds
The Tap Room, York
The Three Legged Mare, York

The acquisition, which was facilitated by joint Administrators, Steven Muncaster and Sarah Bell of Duff & Phelps Ltd, builds on a positive year for Black Sheep, which returned to profit in 2018.

Andy Slee, Chairman of The Black Sheep Brewery, (pictured right) said, “This acquisition fits perfectly with our strategy of developing our presence in our Yorkshire heartland and owning pubs.

“Entering administration was worrying for the team at York Brewery, but our deal offers some comfort that its successful brand can be maintained, and the pubs can continue to operate. York Brewery complements our strong brands and by acting quickly we have been able to provide a good outcome for both organisations.”

Rob Theakston, Managing Director, Black Sheep Brewery, (pictured left) said, “Over the last 26 years we have produced some of the UK’s most iconic, award-winning beers, and the purchase of another longstanding brewery will secure the future of another well-respected Yorkshire brand.

“It also starts our journey into retail which was announced at the AGM in September. We are delighted with the acquisition.”

Steven Muncaster, Managing Director, Duff & Phelps, added, “Despite being a popular destination for both locals and tourists, York Brewery unfortunately continued to face cashflow pressures, ultimately resulting in it being placed into administration. However, we’re delighted to have secured a sale for York Brewery.’