United Kingdom: CAMRA announced on Aptil 19 it is calling on Jennings Brewery shareholders to act now to protect the independence of the Brewery. CAMRA's call follows speculation that Wolverhampton & Dudley Brewers (W&DB) are poised to make a takeover bid.

Jennings is a very successful regional brewer with rising profits and sales and an estate of 128 pubs. In the last financial year Jennings beers enjoyed an 8% growth in freetrade volume, CAMRA said. The Brewery also recorded an impressive 13.4% rise in profits.

Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Chief Executive said, “Any bid from W&DB for Jennings Brewery will be bad news for consumers and employees, but also for the wider community in Cumbria who face the potential loss of a unique local brewer. CAMRA is calling for shareholders to put pressure on the Jennings board to reject any bid from W&D Brewery.”

“W&DB’s promises to keep Jennings Brewery open, however genuine, are no guarantee. In 1999 W&DB acquired Mansfield Brewery and closed it within two years. CAMRA are urging all shareholders to oppose a takeover to save Jennings Brewery from a similar fate.”

"Like many local and regional brewers Jennings has a large number of small shareholders who are committed to the future of the Brewery. W&DB will have a hard task persuading them that a takeover is in the interests of Jennings Brewery."

20 April, 2005