Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company to sell third brewery in 12 months

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to sell its Ringwood Brewery, located in Hampshire, stating it “is not a decision we have taken lightly”.

Under the proposals, both the Ringwood Brewery and the Ringwood ale brands, which include Razorback, Old Thumper, and Boondoggle, would be put on the market for sale.

CMBC’s logistics operation at Ringwood is proposed to close, with deliveries relocated to CMBC’s depots at Tiverton and Farnborough, with support from the Cardiff depot.

Paul Davies, CEO of CMBC, said the decision to sell was not taken “lightly” but that the brewery’s location in a residential area made expansion plans complicated.

He added: “To ensure our future growth and simplify the business, we are looking for a new owner for Ringwood in the brewing industry, including its excellent range of local ales.

“We are confident that, by taking these actions now, we can ensure we continue to grow, innovate and deliver great beers across the UK, putting us in the best possible position to achieve success now and in the future.”

A buyer has yet to be found for the brewery, which was founded in 1978 and is best known for its cask ales and boar mascot.

This is the third sale which CMBC has explored in the past year; in October 2022, the brewer closed Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria, putting it up for sale for £750,000. A few weeks later, in November, CMBC announced plans to sell the Eagle Brewery in Bedford to Spanish brewer SA Damm for an undisclosed sum.