Alltech buys Northern Irish craft brewery

A craft brewery in Northern Ireland has been acquired by the US company behind Kentucky Ale. Cumberland Breweries Ltd, which owns the Station Works Brewery in Newry as well as the Cumberland Breweries in Great Corby in Cumbria, has been bought by Alltech from family-owned Northern Irish business Norbrook Laboratories, also based in Newry, county Down.

Alltech, which was founded by Irish businessman Dr Pearse Lyons, says the deal means the company is now in a position to provide a range of beers and lagers tailored towards European tastes, as well as providing improved consumer access to its products.

"This is a kind of homecoming for me, as well as a big moment for our beverage side of the company and for craft brewing in Britain and Ireland," adds Lyons, who is also president of Alltech.

Newry-headquartered veterinary pharmaceutical provider Norbrook Laboratories said that while it enjoyed success in the craft brewing market, it is focusing on its core business and strengths in the animal health industry. The company's founder and chairman Eddie Haughey, Lord Ballyedmond, was killed in a helicopter accident last year.

A spokesman adds: "We are delighted that the company will continue as a trading business under its new ownership, as a key player in the craft brewing industry.

"We will be working closely with the new owners and staff to ensure business continuity throughout the transition process."

Alltech will continue brewing the Finn Irish Craft Lager and Foxes Rock at the Station Works Brewery in Newry.