Brewer lifted by takeover deal

London Pride brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner cheered a 31% rise in profits today after the takeover of Gales boosted summer trading.

Fuller’s said pre-tax profits for the six months to September 30 were up from £8.4m (€12.4m) to £10.9m (€16.1m) as sales lifted 35% to £91.1m (€134.7m).

It followed the £82.7m (€122.3m) December acquisition of George Gale which gave Fuller’s exposure to the south west of England market during the hot summer months.