Wright Hassall LLP assisted businessman Jonathan Price in his purchase of Exmoor Ales.
Price’s background is within baking and he was chief executive of William Price Group Bakeries for 25 years – expanding the business from one site of £4m turnover to five sites with more than £100m sales.
Wright Hassall assisted in the acquisition of the brewery, working closely with David Tucker of Jasper Corporate Finance ahead of the completion of the deal.
Exmoor Ales is a very strong brand in the south west producing a series of beers since it was founded in 1980.
Its beers include Exmoor Gold, which is reputedly the first ever Golden Ale, Exmoor Stag, Fox, Hart and Beast, along with seasonal specialities of Hound Dog, Wildcat and EXmas.
Robert Lee, of Wright Hassall, said he would raise a glass to Price’s future in the ale industry.
He said: “We are extremely pleased to have concluded this deal with Jonathan Price in his purchase of Exmoor Ales.
“It is a very bold move but, as he says, his history in baking will help him in brewing because of ingredients and fermentation.
“We wish him every success in his future venture and believe he will make it a great success.”
Price said: “I am joining a business that is well run with good continuity of staff so I have absolutely no intention of changing anything.
“I was attracted to the brewing industry because I believe that there is a growing demand for real taste, local produce and real provenance.”
