RSM UK secures £65m funding deal for leading Manchester drinks company
Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK’s debt advisory team has helped leading drinks specialist Kingsland Drinks Group to secure a total funding package of £65m from Barclays to facilitate future growth.
Based in Irlam, Greater Manchester, Kingsland Drinks Group is an employee-owned drinks specialist which provides innovative solutions across contract bottling and canning, product development, and sourcing and procurement to major UK retailers and drinks brands.
With a rich history in wine and spirit production dating back to 1955, and employing around 400 staff locally, the company has established a multi-faceted operation combining drinks creation with extensive co-packing and bottling capabilities. Building on its longstanding position as a key supplier of branded and own‑label wines, in recent years the group has strengthened its spirits proposition and expanded its focus into the fast‑growing low and no‑alcohol category.
The new funding package will allow the business to continue its ambitious growth journey, following its move to employee ownership in 2021, unlocking new opportunities for future investment.
RSM UK, led by Ashley Suter with support from Jack Williams and Sebastian Knight, advised Kingsland Drinks on the funding package.
Ashley Suter, Head of Debt Advisory in the Northwest and Wales at RSM UK said: “Kingsland Drinks Group has built a solid national reputation as an industry leading drinks specialist. We are thrilled to have supported the team with securing a funding package that will facilitate the businesses future growth and innovation.”
Sarah Baldwin, Managing Director at Kingsland Drinks added: “The past few years have seen some challenging times for Kingsland – we are now moving into a phase of evolving the core business and securing long-term development opportunities. This funding will help to secure an exciting future for the business as a pioneering force in the drinks industry.”
Fiona Parkes, Relationship Director at Barclays Corporate said: “We are pleased to support Kingsland with a £65m Asset Based Lending facility that provides enhanced working capital flexibility and supports the company’s ongoing growth plans. As an employee owned organisation entering its next phase of development, Kingsland represents a strong new client relationship for Barclays, and we look forward to supporting the business going forward”
Kingsland Drinks Group was advised by law firm Hill Dickinson LLP, while Barclays was advised by Addleshaw Goddard LLP.