Carlsberg Marston’s is reported to be ready to sell Ringwood Brewery, in Hampshire, and its brands, such as classics Fortyniner and Old Thumper.
The original Ringwood Brewery ownership, updated under the Marston’s then Carlsberg Marston’s ownership
Rather than simply annouce the closure of the brewery, as it did with Jennings, of Cockermouth, Carlsberg Marston’s is looking for a sale of this, one of the original breed of microbreweries.
It was established in 1978 by Peter Austin (1921-1914), who was also a founding force behind SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers. He didn’t only set up his own brewery, though. He was instrumental in getting some 40 around the world off the ground.
It seems Carlsberg Marston’s is taking the decision to sell the brewery because of the investment it feels the near-50-year-old site needs.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” said CMBC chief executive, Paul Davies. “We have incredible respect for the effort and dedication of the team at Ringwood. However, the brewery’s location, in a residential area, makes expansion complicated, and as such the investment required to bring its capacity and capability up to the level we need for our business is too great to be a viable path for CMBC.
“To ensure our future growth and simplify the business, we are looking for a new owner for Ringwood in the brewing industry, including its excellent range of local ales.”
