Brewery giant Greene King has agreed to sell one of its most famous ale brands, Old Speckled Hen, to the owner of Spanish rival Estrella Damm. The move is expected to lead to the closure of the company's biggest brewery, marking a significant milestone in the 200-year history of the organisation.
Greene King has been a staple of British brewing for nearly two centuries, with its beers enjoyed in pubs across the country. The sale of Old Speckled Hen, which has been brewed in Bury St Edmunds since 1979, is a significant development in the UK brewing industry.
The company has confirmed that the sale is part of a wider strategy to focus on its core business and reduce costs. However, the move has sparked concerns among workers and customers, who fear for the future of the brewery and the jobs of its employees.
Opposition politicians have been quick to criticise the sale, with Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds, David Jack, calling for the government to intervene and protect the brewery. 'This is a devastating blow for the workers and communities who rely on Greene King for their livelihoods,' he said.
The government has so far refused to comment on the sale, but a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said that they would be 'monitoring the situation closely'.