Cotleigh Brewery acquired by private investors

This traditional brewery started trading in the 1980s. A well-known character within the industry and staunch supporter of real ales, the owner had created a range of cask real ales popular around the South West. The brewery, which serviced more than 150 pubs and a number of national pub chains, generated seven figure sales and substantial profits.

The owners had tried to sell their business privately. However, they experienced breaches in confidentiality which led to the departure of their head brewer. Business Partnership were introduced to the company by their bank manager and quickly secured substantial interest from both the UK and overseas which resulted in a number of attractive and funded offers.

The business was eventually sold to private investors who had enjoyed substantial success within the drinks industry. On the day before completion there was a hitch as the primary fund provider discovered that even though their solicitors had previously carried out searches the premises did not have the relevant planning consent and withdrew their funding.

The deal collapsed and relationships between seller and buyer became strained. Fortunately, thanks to our support and the help of the local planning office, good terms were re-established and the deal completed.

(This sale was managed by Alistair Glaze who retired from Business Partnership in 2024)