Everards sells distribution business to WaverleyTBS

Family brewer Everards has sold its distribution arm to drinks wholesaler WaverleyTBS for an undisclosed sum.

Leicestershire based Everards, which has 161 managed and tenanted pubs, said the decision would allow it to concentrate on its pub estate.

Stephen Gould, managing director for Everards, said: "We believe this deal enables us to focus our efforts and resources on what we do best, which is running a high-quality pub estate and brewing fine cask ales."

There are expected to be nine redundancies at Everards following the completion of the deal.

Everards free-trade business has a turnover of £12m and 500 customers operating their businesses within a 70 mile radius of its brewery in Narborough, Leicestershire.

WaverleyTBS will sell Everards cask ales, which includes Tiger Best Bitter and Beacon Bitter, through its UK-wide distribution network as part of the deal.

By Chris Druce

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