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The brewing joint venture between MARSTON’S and Carlsberg, valued at nearly £800 million, reported a substantial pre-tax loss in the year preceding the sale of MARSTON’S stake to Carlsberg. According to newly released financial records from Companies House, Carlsberg MARSTON’S Brewing Company recorded a pre-tax loss of £25.2 million in 2023, a sharp decline from the £7.1 million profit reported the previous year.
Increase in Turnover Amid Losses
Despite the financial loss, the company experienced a significant increase in turnover, which rose from £775.1 million to £907.8 million. Gross turnover, including customs and excise duties, also saw an increase, climbing from £1.2 billion to £1.3 billion.
Strategic Sale and Future Focus
This financial result follows MARSTON’S July announcement of its agreement to sell its 40% share in the company to Carlsberg for £206 million. The transaction marks the end of nearly two centuries of brewing tradition that began with Banks and Company in Wolverhampton. MARSTON’S CEO, Justin Platt, highlighted that the sale to the Danish brewing giant “significantly reduced” the company’s debt, allowing MARSTON’S to focus on operating its 1,370 pubs across the UK.
Carlsberg’s Future Plans
On the same day as the stake sale, Carlsberg revealed its acquisition of Britvic, the company behind beverages like Robinsons squash and J20, for £3.3 billion. Carlsberg MARSTON’S Brewing Company, established in May 2020 through the merger of the two brewing giants, expressed optimism for the future, stating that it will continue to brew a wide range of beers and deliver a broad portfolio of drinks products to customers in the UK.
This development reflects the challenging environment in the brewing industry, where consolidation and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly common as companies strive to remain competitive.
