FDBusiness.com

St Austell Brewery, the English regional brewer and pub operator, has reported another record financial performance after increasing turnover by 13.2% to £153.2 million and operating profit before other items by 5.2% to £14 million in the 52-week period to 31st December 2016.

During the year, the company invested £25.9 million in capital expenditure, of which £16.7 million was on new acquisitions. These acquisitions included the purchase of Bath Ales, which served to support St Austell Brewery’s strategy to strengthen and extend its regional presence. The company also added new sites to its pub portfolio during the year as well as investing in its production and distribution facilities and refurbishing and improving its pubs and hotels.

James Staughton, chief executive of St. Austell Brewery, says: “It has been an excellent and historic year for the company. The acquisition of Bath Ales was a logical step towards our strategic objective of having the best pub estate and premier beer brands in the South West of England. A review of our strategic ambition led to the acquisition of Bath Ales whom we have long admired. Their pubs and beers complement those of St. Austell and our integration plans are on track.”

James Staughton adds: “Our strategy is to continue to invest for the long term and ensure that we remain focused on delivering wonderful distinctive experiences through great products and services, conscious innovation, measurement and the scaling of what works.”