Brewery ‘safe in Lion’s den’

By John Van Klaveren
LITTLE Creatures’ plans for its Geelong brewery remain intact despite liquor giant Lion launching a takeover bid.
Marketing manager Miles Hull said Lion had given Little Creatures’ board an undertaking to complete the Geelong development.
Little Creatures plans to build a brewery and dining hall on a former Valley Mill site in South Geelong.
Parent company Little World Beverages announced last week that Lion had offered $381.6 million for the company, with its board recommending acceptance.
Mr Hull said the takeover was subject to shareholder approval in September, with the transition of ownership in October.
“Lion has included an undertaking to Little Creatures that it’s committed to Geelong,” he said.
“Lion indicated it was enthusiastic about our plans for Geelong.
“There is a little uncertainty in operations but we’re encouraged by Lion’s enthusiasm. We’ll have to wait to see but we’re heartened by Lion’s indications.”
Mr Hull said the Geelong development would become the “centrepiece of the future” for Little Creatures.
“Our Fremantle brewery is at capacity and has no potential for further growth, so we can’t supply the level of demand without Geelong. We need Geelong to drive growth in the eastern seaboard markets.
“There’s a great deal of community interest and engagement in what we are doing.”