Fermentum, the parent company of Stone & Wood, has set out its plans for growth and expansion with the acquisition of Two Birds brewery, tap room and brands.
The deal will see Two Birds co-founders Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen continue at the helm of Two Birds and drive the brand forward as a distinct business unit within the Fermentum family of businesses.
In a statement about the deal, Fermentum said: “The team at Fermentum has been on the lookout for opportunities with a good brand and a production footprint in the right market that could help us evolve and develop for some time.
“We have always admired what Jayne and Danielle have achieved since they launched their fledgling business in 2011.
“They have a unique origin story and by blazing a trail for diversity they have provided an inspiration for everyone in our industry as it strives to develop and embrace diversity and inclusion at a level which is a true reflection of our society.
“We are looking forward to working with Jayne and Danielle as they lead the Two Birds business through the next exciting chapter including celebrating the 10th Birthday later in the year.”
Allen said: “For Two Birds to continue striving towards our vision, we realised we needed to join forces with another business for an injection of broader knowledge and experience, some much needed capital and a spark of energy.”
Lewis added: “We are excited by the opportunity to keep building on the Two Birds legacy as part of Fermentum. We admire what the team have achieved with Stone & Wood over its 12 years, and they obviously have the know how around how to build a business through sustainable growth.”
Two Birds Brewing Co will join Stone & Wood Brewing Co, Fixation Brewing Co, Forest for the Trees, Granite Belt Cider Co, Sunrise Drinks and Square Keg in the Fermentum Family of Businesses.
Fermentum said that having a scalable brewery at Spotswood in Melbourne provides the business with the opportunity to invest in its capability and capacity. Production of Fixation Brewing Co products will also be moved closer to its home market, helping Fermentum save on beer miles.
The Two Birds products will be sold through Square Keg in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, and by the Stone & Wood team in Queensland and New South Wales.
Fermentum added: “The exciting addition of the Two Birds business, which has been funded from cash reserves, will provide further potential growth in volume, earnings and opportunities for the team.
“We have a strong balance sheet and are well placed to look at other opportunities that fit with our strategy, however the brewery expansion project is now a major focus for us.”