Lion acquires UK-based brewer Fourpure

Australian beverage company Lion has acquired UK-based brewer Fourpure for an undisclosed price.

Based in London, Fourpure’s brewery was established in 2013 by brothers Daniel and Thomas Lowe.

CEO Daniel Lowe said: “Over the past 12 months we’ve been working hard to find the right investment path for the next phase of the Fourpure story.

“We met Lion towards the end of our process after a wide range of funding options had been considered and quickly realised we had a shared vision and values.”

“It was clear from the very first meeting that Matt and the Lion team understand the needs of a craft brewery and share our aspirations for quality and sustainability.

“Lion’s past investments in craft breweries in Australia and New Zealand, including Little Creatures, have always respected the beer and the people.”

Lion currently offers Australian and New Zealand craft beers in the UK and European markets. With the latest acquisition, the company intends to further strengthen its presence in European markets by focusing on its sales and distribution channels.

The firm will offer financial and strategic support to Fourpure to increase its product footprint throughout Europe.

Lion’s global markets managing director Matt Tapper said: “We’re making real progress in making our craft beers like Little Creatures available in the UK and Europe and we see some great opportunities to work together to get these and Fourpure’s brews in the hands of more beer lovers.”

Lion is a beverage and food company with a portfolio that includes beer, wine and dairy products. It employs more than 6,500 people and has a manufacturing footprint, spanning 34 sites.

Fourpure is known for beers such as its World Beer Cup medal-winning Pils Lager and Session IPA.

At present, the UK craft market represents around 5% volume share of craft beer. It is one of the fastest growing globally, in terms of volume.