Brewery changes hands as investor spies ‘perfect fit’ for its portfolio

Barnsley-based Acorn Brewery is set for growth with a change of ownership at the 20-year-old business.

The brewery has capacity to produce 170 brewers-barrels (278 hectolitres) a week with, an annual turnover of £1m.

Directors Dave and Christy Hughes have decided new ownership is needed to take the business forward.

The brewery has been sold to Sonas Capital; a Greater Manchester-based company specialising in developing successful SMEs.

With the sale, the employment of the seven-strong brewery team has been secured and a general manager will be recruited.

Dave Hughes will continue in a consultancy role for the foreseeable future while Christy Hughes will take retirement, due to recent ill-health.

Dave Hughes said: “We have enjoyed 20 successful years since launching in Barnsley with just my late first wife Judy and our current brewer Steve Bunting.

“In recent years, with Christy heading marketing and sales, we have continued to drive the brewery forward, despite being badly hit by the pandemic.

“Throughout lockdowns we continually brewed, pouring the beer away, to regularly refresh our unique original Barnsley Brewery yeast strain from the 1800s, so we recovered quickly.

“Now we feel we have taken the business as far as we can and we are handing it on in very good shape to Sonas.  

“We wish to thank the team for their loyal support across the years.

“This is a very exciting time for Acorn and we would like to reassure those suppliers, licensees and beer fans that the brewery is going into good hands.”

Acorn directly supplies outlets across the North of England and further afield through wholesalers and pub companies. The core of the business remains cask-conditioned ale but bottled and keg beers are also produced.

Brendan Fitzpatrick, of Sonas, said: “Acorn has an outstanding reputation for their product quality and great service and we see the business as a perfect fit for our portfolio.

“We are dedicated to empowering companies through investment and strong marketing to realise their full potential. 

“Dave will move to a more technical and creative role alongside the brewing team while the Sonas team will focus on the development and growth of the business in what are challenging times for the industry.” 

Acorn was advised on the deal by Brian McCann and Angela Downey from Shareholder Strategies as well as Ryan Marr from Jolliffes Solicitors.

Sonas Capital was advised by Guy Bartlett from Fidelis Advisory and Tom Sutcliffe from Excello Law.