UK brewer Powder Monkey Group looks to expand through more mergers and acquisitions

UK-based brewing and hospitality company, Powder Monkey Group, is looking to expand through further acquisitions this year. The company recently acquired Empress Ale, a beer brand from the West Midlands. The transaction was completed earlier this week, although no financial details have been disclosed.

Powder Monkey’s co-founder and CEO, Andy Burdon, mentioned in an interview with Just Drinks that the company is currently working on two additional acquisitions, with one expected to be finalized by the end of April. While Burdon did not specify the exact nature of these deals, he did mention that they involve UK-based businesses, including brewers and brands.

Established in 2015 in Leamington Spa, Empress Ale produces three beer variants: a lager, pale ale, and an IPA. The brand is well-distributed, with its products available in fine-dining restaurants, gastropubs, up-and-coming eateries, as well as major retailers like Waitrose and Ocado nationwide.

Following the acquisition of Empress Ale, Powder Monkey aims to bring the production of the brand in-house. This move will likely coincide with another acquisition currently in progress, potentially relocating production to a new facility.

Burdon expressed that Empress Ale’s presence in London’s restaurant scene was a significant factor in the acquisition, along with the opportunity to diversify the brand’s product range. The addition of Empress Ale to Powder Monkey’s portfolio provides new avenues for customer engagement and business expansion.

In addition to acquiring Empress Ale, Powder Monkey recently started listing on the secondary market with JP Jenkins, an independent trading platform. The company, which owns four breweries across the UK and Australia, is focusing on expanding its market presence and production capabilities.

Powder Monkey operates breweries in Gosport, Goddards Brewery on the Isle of Wight, and two locations in Australia – Willie the Boatman and Southern Highlands Brewing Co. The company also manages hospitality venues associated with its breweries.

While the primary markets for Powder Monkey are the UK and Australia, the company is considering further expansion into Europe and potentially the US. Plans are underway to establish a new production site in Australia near Sydney by the third quarter of 2025.

Although Powder Monkey has not disclosed its annual turnover, Burdon emphasized the company’s commitment to rapid growth in the coming year. The strategic acquisitions and market expansions reflect Powder Monkey Group’s ambition to establish itself as a significant player in the brewing and hospitality sector.