Wells and Young's Acquire McEwan's and Younger's

The UK’s largest independent family brewery, Wells and Young’s, has purchased two iconic Scottish beer brands - McEwan’s and Younger’s - from Heineken UK.

Nigel McNally, managing director of Wells and Young’s, said: "This is a significant and major acquisition, and secures the future for the much-loved McEwan’s and Younger’s brands.

"We are hugely excited about these fantastic Scottish ales joining our stable," he said. "They bring a wealth of opportunities to our business which we will realise through brand investment, innovation and exploiting export potential. We are committed to maintaining the rich Scottish heritage of the brands.

"We will continue brewing McEwan’s draught ales at the historic Caledonian Brewery and we will set up a small Scottish office to support the brands and our range of beers."

Stefan Orlowski, managing director for Heineken UK, added: "We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Wells and Young's.

"We have a long-term and valued relationship with them and they have already demonstrated that they can bring their expertise and investment to brands such as Courage.

"We know that the McEwan's and Younger's ales will complement their portfolio perfectly."

In addition to buying McEwan’s and Younger’s, Wells and Young’s has also bought the remaining 17% of the Courage beer brands from Heineken, following a deal in January 2007.

The McEwan's and Younger's deal, which is worldwide, was agreed yesterday (4th October) and provides the Bedford-based brewer with an unrivalled range of premium beers, propelling it into the top three premium ale brewers in the UK.

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