UK-based cider giant Westons has acquired World Brands Australia (WBA), an Australian drinks distributor, as part of further expansion of its international business.
For several years Westons has had business relationship with WBA that has acted as the distributor for its brands into the Australian market.
Through the acquisition, the company expects $4.8m (GBP3m) sales in the country, where the popularity of cider has grown its value share of the alcoholic drinks market by nearly 1 % in only 12 months, reports southwestbusiness.com.
The acquired company will be renamed Westons World Brands (WWB) and Roger Jackson, Westons Cider's commercial director, will become WWB's managing director while maintaining his current role in Westons Cider in the UK.
Roger Jackson told the news agency that the export business has become an increasingly important element of the company's business strategy and growth achievements.
"The purchase of World Brands Australia will ensure Westons Cider has a strong and sustainable platform to fully invest in the fast growing Australian cider market and realise the potential of Westons' portfolio of cider brands," he added.
H.Weston & Sons Ltd has been making cider and perry in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle, Herefordshire since 1880.