Estrella Damm strengthens UK presence with Bedford brewery acquisition

We have advised Damm, a leading company in the food and beverage industry in Spain and producer of renowned beer brand Estrella Damm, on its acquisition of the Eagle Brewery in the UK from Carlsberg Marston (CMBC). Based in Bedford, the brewery is Damm’s second overseas facility and the first outside the Iberian Peninsula

This agreement represents a new milestone in Damm’s solid internationalisation strategy, led by executive chairman Demetrio Carceller Arce. 30% of the company’s activity is now outside Spain and its brands are in over 130 countries. The deal to acquire the Bedford brewery reinforces the company’s goals to expand internationally and provides Damm the opportunity to further grow in a market where its portfolio of beers continues to gain market share year after year.

Damm’s new brewery in the United Kingdom has a production capacity of 1 million hectolitres per year and employs 67 people in production, who will become part of Damm’s UK workforce. 

Commenting on the deal, partner and Head of the Real Estate group in the UK Paul Lawrence said: "We have been delighted to support Damm on its international expansion and to help the company further strengthen its presence in the UK.  We look forward to working together again in the future as Damm continues its successful growth and overseas development."

Demetrio Carceller Arce, Executive Chairman at Damm, said: "Over the last few years, we have strengthened the presence of our broad portfolio of beers in bars and restaurants around the world, backed up by our support for gastronomy and promotion of the Mediterranean lifestyle. This acquisition will strengthen our position and help drive the growth of our brand in the UK, a key market for the company’s international growth. The breath of expertise and diligent support provided by Taylor Wessing throughout this complex transaction was invaluable and we really appreciate the sterling work done by everyone in the team throughout this process."

The deal was led by real estate partner Paul Lawrence and planning partner Al Watson and corporate senior associate James Homan with support from partner Richard Bursby, associates Salome Parayre, Anna-Mariya Angelinova, Oli McInnes and trainee solicitor Kate Little and Osama Altikriti in the Real Estate team. 

Additional support was provided by partner Paul Callaghan, senior counsel Roxanne Davie and associate Katie Davenport in the Employment team, partner Peter Jackson, senior associate Sally Robertson and associate Pip Moss in the Tax team, partner Anna Taylor and senior associate Georgina Wardrop in the Pensions team and senior associate Simon Jupp and associate Laura Pentreath in the Intellectual Property team.