CARLSBERG UK and Marston’s have announced that they will merge their brewing operations later this year, bringing brands including McEwan’s, Carlsberg Export and Hobgoblin under the same roof.
The deal, which is still subject to shareholder and competition approval, will see the creation of a new joint venture, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, with Carlsberg owning 60% and Marston’s PLC 40%.
The new company will have assets including Carlsberg UK’s Northampton brewery, London Fields brewery, and national distribution centre; and Marston’s six breweries – Marston’s, Banks’s, Wychwood, Jennings, Ringwood and Eagle – as well as its 11 distribution depots.
Although the deal does not include Marston’s portfolio of 1400 pubs, the new business will supply its brands to the estate “through a strategic, long-term supply and distribution agreement”.
Current Carlsberg UK managing director, Tomasz Blawat, will be appointed chief executive of the new company with Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay a non-executive chairman.
Richard Westwood, currently managing director of Marston’s Beer Company, will become chief operating officer, integration, of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.
Carlsberg UK’s portfolio includes Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Carlsberg Export and Somersby cider and the company also distributes brands including San Miguel, Mahou and Brooklyn Brewery in the UK.
Marston’s produces a range of beers including McEwan’s, Hobgoblin and Marston’s Pedigree as well as distributing brands such as Estrella Damm, Erdinger and Kirin.
