Drinks and pubs business Liberation Group has acquired Butcombe Brewery in the UK.

The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

The combined company will now have 94 pubs, bars and eateries, two breweries with the capacity to brew over 30,000 barrels of beer as well as retail and wholesale operations employing more than 750 staff.

The transaction will allow Liberation to sell Butcombe beers in the Channel Islands, while exporting Liberation ales on draught and in bottles into UK pub chains and supermarkets with whom Butcombe already has partnerships.

Liberation plans to invest in Butcombe Brewery’s existing pubs in order to achieve brand consistency across the group and is also planning to revamp the food offering with further local produce and recipes.

Work under the expansion includes construction of food-led managed and quality tenanted pubs, whilst continuing the growth and development of the Butcombe beer and cider range.

Liberation Group CEO Mark Crowther said: "We have been looking for some time for the right UK business to acquire as part of our longer term growth strategy. This marks the start of the exciting next chapter for Liberation and Butcombe both of whom share the same passion for quality beers and great pubs.

"The enlarged group provides the perfect bridge head platform for further future growth in the UK market. We are really looking forward to welcoming the Butcombe team into the Liberation Group."

Image: Butcombe Brewery is a brewer and pub operator in Somerset, Bristol, Bath, the Mendips and the Cotswolds. Photo: courtesy of Liberation Group.