Lion Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, has sold its UK-based operations, including the Magic Rock and Fourpure brands to Odyssey Inns Ltd, last month.
The company said Odyssey represented the right team to lead the two brands into their next chapters. The sale, which follows a strategic review, also includes the breweries and taprooms in London, Huddersfield and Holmfirth and Little Creatures craft beer hospitality venue in Kings Cross, London.
Odyssey Inns is led by Stephen Cox, who brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the world of hospitality and the UK pub sector. He also co-founded Devon’s Utopian Brewing and has worked with a number of brands within the hospitality and drinks sector.
Cox said: “This is an incredible opportunity to take two exceptional brands, Fourpure and Magic Rock, to the next level. Combined with an excellent hospitality proposition, fantastic people and state of the art breweries, we really have the platform to do great things. We’re excited to get started and get to know the team. We bring bags of energy and enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit and strong industry experience, and we hope to bring joy to many more customers with these great beers.”
Gordon Treanor, Lion’s UK managing director, said: “Odyssey brings together a great team with a clear passion for brewing and hospitality and is ideally placed to take Magic Rock and Fourpure forward. I’d like to thank our brilliant team for their commitment and dedication, especially over the past two years. With some great sales and brand momentum, the business is well placed for the future ahead, under new ownership.”
The sale will see Lion focus future investment towards its businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where Lion has made significant craft beer investments and is a leading craft brewer in each market.
