West Country brewers merge to become 'force to be reckoned with'

Two West Country brewers have merged creating a "force to be reckoned with".

St Austell Brewery, famous for its Tribute Cornish Pale Ale, has bought Bath Ales, including the brewery, its portfolio of beer brands and its 11-strong pub estate.

St Austell Brewery, which is one of only 28 independent family-owned brewers in the UK, was founded in 1851 and is known to be one of the oldest businesses in Cornwall. The company owns 167 pubs and inns across the South West.

Meanwhile Bath Ales was founded in 1995 and brews a successful award-winning range of beers .

All of Bath Ales’ beer brands will continue to be brewed at its existing brewery and St Austell Brewery has committed to a schedule of investment to expand the brewing and packaging facilities.

All of Bath Ales’ beer brands will continue to be brewed at its existing brewery and St Austell Brewery has committed to a schedule of investment to expand the brewing and packaging facilities.