Black Country-based Halewood Wines and Spirits has made an investment in Sadler’s Ales, although it insists the brewery will remain independent.

Sadlers AlesThe brewery, which was founded in 1900 in Oldbury, is currently operated by fifth generation brewer Chris Sadler, and he will remain in his role and utilise the partnership with Halewood to expand the reach of Sadler’s portfolio.

Sadler’s will benefit from Halewood’s UK and global infrastructure, and as well as gaining new routes to market, the business will receive support in marketing and promoting the award-winning beers.

The deal complements Halewood’s recent investment in Cumbria-based Hawkshead Brewery and further strengthens its craft drinks portfolio.

Chris Sadler said: “We’re proud of our family business and have a strong following throughout the Midlands and increasingly elsewhere in the UK. Halewood’s investment gives us opportunity, not only to continue providing hand crafted beers with a strong provenance locally, but to expand our reach throughout the rest of the UK and internationally.”

Stewart Hainsworth, group chef executive at Halewood Wines & Spirits, added: “Sadler’s has a fantastic family heritage and Chris has continued the passion for creating characterful beers with a point of difference. The current Sadler’s generation is talented and visionary while upholding the original family ethos, and with Halewood’s focus on craft, we’re looking forward to supporting their business.”

The level of investment has not been disclosed.