News Beat
Keystone Brewing Group update on Black Sheep Brewery
Keystone Brewing Group previously confirmed it had filed a notice of intention (NOI) to appoint administrators as a step to protect the future of the business.
The filing was made on Friday, November 28, and provides a window of legal protection during which the company can explore restructuring options, seek new investment or evaluate a potential sale.
The business has not entered administration and remains fully operational.
All brewing sites, logistics and supply chain operations are continuing as normal.
Orders are being fulfilled with minimal disruption to delivery schedules, and pubs, bars, wholesalers and retailers are receiving their usual range of beers and drinks.
The business, which supports around 190 jobs across its brewery sites, has put full contingency plans in place to minimise any disruption, including appropriate stock forecasting and robust customer service coverage.
Keystone Brewing Group’s CEO, Steve Cox, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our business, but we are still brewing, still delivering, and we are here to stay.
“The decision to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators was not taken lightly, but it is a responsible and strategic move that allows us to assess the best way forward.
“The fundamentals of the business remain strong, our teams are committed, our brands are well-loved, and our operations are resilient.
“We are focused on emerging from this process stronger and more stable, ready to serve our customers for many years to come.”
Following the developments at Keystone Brewing Group, Black Sheep Brewery moved quickly to clarify its position.
In a statement issued on Saturday ( November 29), Black Sheep Brewery stressed that operations are continuing and that the filing is a protective step, not the end of the road.
“You may have seen several headlines or rumours that Keystone Brewing Group has gone into administration. Let us be clear: that is not the case,” the statement read.
“We have filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator, which is a protective measure that allows us to keep trading as normal while we secure new investment or explore a potential sale.
“It gives us the breathing space we need to protect our people, our brands, and our customers. We’re still brewing. We’re still delivering. We’re still here.”
The brewery, which has long been a staple of the Yorkshire beer scene and is known for its flagship Black Sheep Ale, was rescued from collapse in 2023 by investment firm Breal.
It now finds itself once again in a period of uncertainty, this time as part of the wider financial difficulties facing the Keystone Brewing Group.
The group, which also owns Fourpure, Purity Brewing Company, and UK distribution rights to Hofmeister, employs around 190 staff and is now seeking to restructure or sell parts of the business.
If no viable solution is found, administrators from FRP Advisory are expected to be appointed.
A significant fall in sales across the portfolio is understood to have contributed to the financial pressure.
According to reports, both trade and consumer demand dropped in the weeks leading up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s budget announcement on November 26, with tax concerns and inflationary pressures leading many pubs and retailers to scale back orders.
Despite the uncertainty, Black Sheep’s leadership is keen to reassure drinkers and partners that the brewery is continuing to operate through the festive period.
In its statement, the team said the same beers, quality and people remain behind every pint.
“As we head into the festive season, our focus remains on what we do best, which is making and supplying exceptional beer, cider and brands that people love,” the brewery added.
“To our customers, partners and supporters, we want to say: thank you for standing with us. Your continued loyalty means everything to our team, and we’re determined to come through this stronger than ever.”
