JWS helps beer giant go bottoms up on craft brewer

Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) has helped a drinks giant go bottoms up on a Gold Coast-based craft brewer.

The corporate law-focused firm advised Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) on its acquisition of Balter Brewing Co., which owns the Balter craft beer business and operates a brewery in Currumbin in the Gold Coast.

The JWS team was led by corporate partner Sophia Bobeff, who was supported by associates Will Mason, Claudia Scardigno, and Rebecca Proudman. The team advised on all aspects of the deal, according to the firm.

Partner Stewart Grieve provided tax advice, with help from special counsels Julian Wan and Kathryn Bertram.

Established in 2016, Balter is now one of Australia's fastest-growing craft beer businesses, JWS said. Its XPA won the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers in the last two years.

"Craft beers are continuing to grow in popularity in Australia. CUB has developed a ‘recipe for success’ by nurturing local craft beers and supporting their expansion through capital investment and access to an extensive distribution network that CUB can offer. We are proud to again support CUB on another significant transaction," Bobeff said.

JWS also advised on Anheuser–Busch InBev in its divestment of CUB in a massive $16bn deal with Japan's Asahi. The acquisition of CUB, Australia's largest brewer, is among the 10 largest acquisitions in Australia.

Other firms that were involved in that deal were Allen & Overy, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and Gilbert + Tobin. Baker McKenzie advised on the financing.

CUB also recently formed a joint venture with a boutique brewer. Hall & Wilcox advised on that partnership.