Brewery satisfies thirst for growth with acquisition

A Black Country-based, family-owned brewery business has expanded its pubs portfolio with the acquisition of a new venue.

Holden’s Brewery, which is based in Dudley, has amassed more than 20 pubs across the West Midlands but has been eyeing a Shropshire market town for some time as a territory in which to expand.

Until now, growth in Bridgnorth has eluded the firm but it has now rectified this with the acquisition of The Golden Lion.

Managing director Jonothan Holden said: “Having lived and socialised in Bridgnorth over the years, we’ve been keen to extend our portfolio with the acquisition of a pub here. The Golden Lion has been on our radar for a while as it offers a certain appeal that is in keeping with the style of establishment that we specialise in. Therefore, when we learnt earlier this year that it was due to go to market we were quick to make a move.

“We have carried out refurbishment work to the main public areas which is sympathetic to the character of the pub and which acknowledges its longevity within Bridgnorth. A larger, more thorough, revamp of the five letting rooms above the pub is also underway and we expect to complete this by the end of the year, further adding to the pub’s appeal.”

Holden’s anticipates that ten jobs, both full and part-time, will be created as a result of the takeover.

Legal advice on the acquisition was provided by the commercial property team at FBC Manby Bowdler in Telford.

Andy Ward, of FBC Manby Bowdler’s commercial property team and a licensed property specialist, said: “Jonothan and the team have a very clear vision as to what constitutes a Holden’s pub and The Golden Lion fitted this brief perfectly. Having realised that it was coming to the market, they swiftly approached one of the previous trustees and quickly agreed an acceptable price.”

He said with the brewery’s appetite for growth then further deals may follow in the future.