Osborne Clarke advises craft brewer on sale to HEINEKEN UK

Lawyers working out of the Reading office of international law practice Osborne Clarke have advised the founders of craft brewer Beavertown on its sale to HEINEKEN UK.

Back in 2018, Osborne Clarke advised Beavertown on its minority sale to the alcohol industry juggernaut and have now contributed to sale of the remaining shares of London’s largest brewery.

Beavertown will continue to be operated separately to HEINEKEN UK with its own functional teams including sales, marketing, brewing and wider existing teams. It is expected that the new ownership structure could see up to 50 new jobs being created.

Boudewijn Haarsma, Managing Director at HEINEKEN UK said: “This is a hugely positive step, and builds on a partnership that will see Beavertown continue to expand and flourish, while remaining committed to its independent creativity.

“HEINEKEN will fully support Beavertown’s brand position, inimitable creativity and huge growth potential, and will do so in a way that preserves its unique approach to beer.”

The acquisition will see Logan Plant, Beavertown’s founder, stepping down from his role as CEO and taking on a new advisory role. Jochen Van Esch, who previously held the title of craft development director at HEINEKEN UK, will take on the new managing director role.

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Logan Plant said: “Beavertown began in my kitchen, ten years ago. From brewing in a rice pan to one of the most successful British brewers in recent years, employing over 160 people and brewing 360,000 hectolitres of beer.

“Its success is something I could never have predicted back then, and I am extremely proud that we have agreed the deal with HEINEKEN UK which is the natural next step for Beavertown, its brands, and most importantly, its people.

“The culture of Beavertown is incredibly important – our unique creativity in our design and marketing, our drive to brew the very best tasting beers, and the passion for excellence at the moment people order a pint – and this is something that will continue.

“With HEINEKEN UK, we have a partner who provides support, advice and investment, and gives us the space to flourish. Without them, my dream of being a world-renowned brewery that began with that rice pan a decade ago, would have been impossible.

“Jochen has worked closely with us all and I have absolute confidence that under his stewardship, the future of Beavertown is burning bright.”

The Osborne Clarke team was led by Reading-based Corporate Partner Mike Freer assisted by Senior Associate Oliver Woods and Associate Jack Harris. Rhiannon Jones and Claire Bowles advised on incentives and employment matters, respectively. 

Logan said: “Mike and the team at Osborne Clarke have been great once again! Not only did OC assist and advise throughout the first transaction with HEINEKEN UK but they smashed it out the park for the second. The level of detail and intensity at which they work left Bridget and I super confident throughout the whole process.”

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