Gloucestershire-based Wickwar Wessex Brewing Co has acquired Moles Brewery in Wiltshire and its estate of six Cascade pubs.
The Moles Ale brands have been bought from Tolchards Drinks, who has acquired the Cascade drinks business, upon the pending retirement of founders Roger and Laura Catte.
Chairman of Wickwar Wessex Brewing Co, Mike Watts said,‘This enhances the presence of independent brewing in the South West. We believe the quality and brewing craft of Moles and Wickwar align perfectly.’
The acquisition of the Cascade Pub Estate will increase the scale of the firm's pub operation by 60%, taking the combined retail estate to 16 pubs, all within the heartland of the brewery.
The company has also entered into a commercial partnership with Tolchard Drinks, with Tolchards supplying Wines and Spirits across its expanding Wickwar pub estate. Wickwar Wessex Brewing Co will also supply Moles and Wickwar Ales into the extended Tolchards business.
Mike Watts said, ‘this is a perfect example of independent businesses working in harmony to both preserve and enhance regional presence. I believe this is good for our respective operations and the continuance of locally sourced and admired brands.’