Crafty Brewing founder Luke Herman said the deal, which was advised on by KBS Corporate, brings together “two like-minded beer producers” capable of producing 100,000 litres of beer per week for export, retail, on-trade and D2C.
Founded in 2002 by Peter Scholey, the former head brewer at Brakspear brewery, Ridgeway produces more than 30 different beers including bitters, stouts and IPAs from its facility in Pulborough, West Sussex, which was expanded and upgraded in 2016.
Meanwhile, Herman founded the Surrey-based Crafty Brewing in 2014 having started out working out of a lorry.
Commenting on the deal, he expressed his excitement to work alongside Scholey and build a business with a “common focus [on] consistently creating high-quality beers whilst being environmentally considerate”.
He added: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre set-up in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step,” said Luke.
“Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication.
“I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.”
Scholey was also enthusiastic about the future of the combined business and putting a succession plan in place.
“Any business needs a succession plan, but with brewing it’s far more than just finding a new manager,” he said.
“You need someone who shares your vision of what ‘good beer’ should be, and I’m pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman.
“I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created.”
New data from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates revealed that at least 100 breweries closed down in the UK last year.
