Private equity business Keystone Brewing Group has added another UK craft brewer to its roster as North Brewing Co has moved across for an undisclosed fee.
Keystone, which has purchased four brewers, including Black Sheep Brewery, over the past couple of years, has taken on North Brewing from previous owner Vertical Drinks. North Brewing’s facility in the northern English county of Yorkshire will remain operational, according to its new owner, with no job losses expected.
Almost exactly a year ago, the founder of Kirkstall Brewery, also in Yorkshire, set up Vertical Drinks to buy North Brewing, which at the time was on the verge of going into administration.
“We are delighted the North Brewing brand and beers will join the Keystone family,” said Keystone CEO Mark Williams. “It is a true icon with a compelling reputation for innovation and high-quality beers, and we see enormous potential to build on its success to date, growing it nationally while preserving its original Yorkshire identity.”
As well as Black Sheep, North Brewing joins the likes of Purity, Magic Rock and Fourpure in Keystone’s portfolio.
