FDBusiness.com

US-based L Catterton, the largest consumer-focused private equity firm in the world, is purchasing a minority stake of 27.9% in Innis & Gunn, one of the UK’s most successful international craft brewers, for £15 million. Founded in Scotland in 2003, Innis & Gunn has grown to be the No.2 craft brewer in the UK off-trade, No.1 imported craft beer in Canada and No. 2 in Sweden, and exports to over 28 countries.

Expansion in the past 2 years has seen the successful opening of four Beer Kitchens in Scotland, and has established the brewer’s home for barrel-ageing and innovation at the new Innis & Gunn Brewery in Perth. The brewer recently reported a 22% increase in its annual group turnover to more than £14.3 million in 2016. This was the 13th consecutive year of volume growth, with volume over the past five years increasing by 175% including sales of the Inveralmond Brewery brands which were successfully integrated into the Innis & Gunn business last year.

Dougal Gunn Sharp, Innis & Gunn founder and master brewer, says: “The craft beer category is booming globally, and this is a hugely exciting opportunity at the right time for us to build strongly on the solid foundations that have been laid to double our 2015 turnover by 2018. Innovation and quality have been at the heart of Innis & Gunn’s success since day one, and this continues to drive us forward. Aside from providing additional capital to accelerate our growth plans, we believe L Catterton will strengthen our business with unparalleled expertise in brand building and a deep understanding of global consumer markets, sharing our vision and supporting our continued expansion and growth.”