Harrogate-based Rooster’s has bought long-time neighbour Daleside brewery with the latter continuing to operate as a separate company, retaining its existing staff and brewing its beers.

The operation of the Daleside business will, in due course, transfer and fill spare capacity at Rooster’s brewery in Hornbeam Park. However, the two businesses will continue to trade separately with the Daleside beers brewed using its own yeast strain to maintain their flavour. 

Daleside was founded in 1991 by Bill Witty, who died in 2007. Eric Lucas joined the brewery in 1993, eventually becoming MD. For more than 30 years, he and the Daleside team ensured the brands continued. Following the change of ownership, Lucas and his fellow shareholders are stepping down from the business and retiring.

Rooster’s chairman Ian Fozard (above left) said: "We are delighted to enable the Daleside business to continue beyond Eric’s retirement. We know the business and the team well and with only a few miles between us, have helped each other out countless times over the years.

“In addition, my son Oliver, Rooster’s head brewer, did his apprenticeship and cut his teeth in the world of brewing at Daleside in the early 2000s, while I was also a good friend of the Daleside founder, Bill Witty."

Lucas (above right) said: “I’m delighted the long-term future of Daleside brewery, its team and its brands have been secured and will remain in Harrogate with the highly respected and acclaimed Rooster’s brewery. Being with Daleside has been an astonishing and enjoyable journey. On behalf of myself and my fellow owners, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and has been part of this great Daleside experience. I’m sure that we’re all looking forward to many pints of both Daleside and Rooster’s beers in the future.

Rooster’s corporate finance adviser Miles Stanyard of ParkHill Corporate Finance said: “The longstanding relationship between the parties allowed an early meeting of minds and as a result the deal was concluded with a refreshingly large amount of goodwill and that rarest commodity, common sense, without the usual tedious posturing.

“The transaction provides a positive outlook for all parties including the staff of both businesses. This is a deal I was proud to support.”