Tuesday 6 November, 2012
Emerson’s is pleased to advise that we have today reached an agreement with Lion who will acquire 100% of the shares in
our Dunedin based craft beer business.
Effective 30 November 2012, Emerson’s will begin an exciting new chapter in its 20 year brewing history as our team of
12 and our great range of craft beers are welcomed into the Lion NZ family.
Emerson’s will remain as a standalone business unit within Lion and will continue to produce the same great beers from
the same Dunedin brewery with the same great people.
Brewery Founder, Richard Emerson says “It is business as usual for Emerson’s – the taste, integrity to style, quality
and consistency of our beers will remain the same. Lion’s ownership allows us to continue doing what we do well
–experimenting and brewing great beer. We will now have the backing to help us to realise our growth aspirations”.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Emerson’s and the team and we remain committed to Dunedin and maintaining the
brand’s distinctive character and authenticity”, says Emerson.
Rory Glass, Lion NZ Managing Director says “Emerson’s is a fantastic brand with a rich story and iconic beers. It
complements Lion’s existing beer portfolio well and allows us to offer our customers an enhanced proposition with a
leading portfolio of brands across the specialty, boutique and popular craft market.”
Richard Emerson, General Manager Bob King and Brewing Manager Chris O’Leary will retain the day to day running of the
Emerson’s operations and all other roles within the Emerson’s business will remain unchanged.
Emerson’s is one of the most successful craft breweries in New Zealand and has won numerous brewing and business awards
over the years including BREWNZ Champion Brewery 2009 and the Supreme Award Winner at the 2010 Westpac Otago Chamber of
Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
ENDS