The move allows Daleside managing director Eric Lucas and the firm’s shareholders to step down from the board and move into retirement. To facilitate the acquisition and to enable future growth, Rooster’s has raised a substantial amount of new capital from a private investor.
Founded in 1991 by Bill Witty, Lucas joined the brewery in 1993 and eventually took over from Witty, who died in 2007, as managing director.
As a result of the acquisition, the production of Daleside beers will transfer to Hornbeam Park and fill spare capacity at the Rooster’s brewery. However, the existing team at Daleside will continue to operate the business as a separate entity, with Rooster’s assuring customers that there will no changes in how the brewery operates on a day-to-day basis.
Daleside produces a range of beers that includes Monkey Wrench, Morocco Ale and the Daleside Blonde.
Commenting on the decision to sell the brewery and retire, Lucas said: “I’m delighted that the long-term future of Daleside Brewery, its team and its brands have been secured and will remain in Harrogate with the highly respected and acclaimed Rooster’s Brewing Co.
“Being with Daleside has been an astonishing and enjoyable journey. On behalf of myself and my fellow owners, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and has been part of this great Daleside experience. I’m sure that we’re all looking forward to many pints of both Daleside and Rooster’s beers in the future.”
Oliver Fozard, head brewer at Rooster’s, did his apprenticeship at Daleside in the early 2000s, while it is a brewery that the management at Rooster’s have “admired” for a long time.
A Rooster’s spokesperson added: “We have enjoyed drinking their beers for as long as we care to remember and are delighted to enable the Daleside business to continue beyond Eric’s retirement. We know the team well and, with only a few miles between us, have helped each other out countless times out over the years.”
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