Prime Minister David Cameron visits Marston’s brewery after Thwaites deal

The £25.1 million deal, as reported in yesterday’s Lancashire Telegraph, could see 150 Thwaites employees transferred to the Wolverhampton-based firm, although Thwaites boss Richard Bailey has actually said the staff will remain in Blackburn.

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Marston’s said it was “delighted” with the deal, which will see it acquire the licence to brew Thwaites’ two best-selling brands in the West Midlands permanently.

Marston’s has produced Wainwright’s Golden Ale and Lancaster Bomber since early 2014, but the company will now enter into a long-term exclusive agreement to supply all beer, wine, spirits and minerals to Thwaites’ 300-plus pub estate.

Ralph Findlay, chief executive officer of Marston’s, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues to Marston’s.

“We are acquiring a very high quality business with good people and brands, and with growth potential.

“The acquisition is consistent with our beer business strategy to focus on local provenance and premium brands, and provides opportunity to capitalise on the developing free trade market and increasing consumer interest in the beer category.”

With the sale approximately 150 regional sales, marketing and distribution staff, based at Thwaites’ distribution centre in Sett End Road North, on Shadsworth Business Park, will become Marston’s employees by the end of April, the Lancashire Telegraph understands.

Trade union officials are still to formally comment on the decision, although one worker told the newspaper that staff had not been consulted or informed about the situation until Tuesday.

Contracts between the two companies have been exchanged and the sale is expected to be confirmed on April 17.

Mr Cameron was pictured on the campaign trail at the Midlands base of the beer company yesterday as it emerged Mr Findlay was among those to have signed an open letter supporting the Tories on their plans for the recovery.