Group targeting creation of £100m drinks portfolio acquires craft brewer

Keystone Brewing Group has confirmed its acquisition of Leeds-based North Brewing Co brands, in a move which is designed to expand distribution nationally and internationally.

Founded in 2015, North Brewing Co produces hop-forward beers, hazy IPAs, and TFGs (Triple Fruited Goses).

Under the current ownership of Vertical Drinks Ltd, the acquisition will see the North Brewing brands join the Keystone portfolio.

There will be no job losses at the Springwell brewery, which remains under the stewardship of Kirkstall.

Mark Williams, of Keystone Brewing Group, said: “We are pleased the North Brewing brand, and beers will join the Keystone family.

“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.

“We are also happy to announce that Steve Holt will be working with us, as a special advisor to our group in future. These are exciting times for Keystone, and we’re not finished yet.”

Holt, representing Vertical Drinks, said he was pleased to pass on ownership of the North brands to Keystone.

He added: “They have the sales and marketing resources to expand distribution and accelerate the brand’s growth. I am also delighted that Springwell will continue to brew and package the North beers.”

The acquisition is the latest milestone in Keystone’s growth plans to develop a £100m portfolio of beverages.

North Brewing Co joins the Keystone family of beer and cider brands, which also include Black Sheep, Purity, Brick, Brew by Numbers, Big Drop, Wolf Pack, Maison SASSY Cider, and most recently the Magic Rock and Fourpure brands.