Powder Monkey Group (PMG) of Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, has announced the acquisition of Midlands based, Empress Ale (Empress).

Empress founder, Surj Virk, has joined the senior management team at Powder Monkey as sales director

Empress supplies beers to some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants, gastro pubs and up-and-coming eateries across the UK.

This acquisition provides Powder Monkey with not only top-quality additional beers for its “direct to consumer” portfolio but also a notable established client base in some of London’s prime restaurants and Grocers such as Waitrose and Ocado.

The group has 4 brewing facilities, together with 3 Hospitality outlets in the UK & Australia, with further acquisitions planned.

Andy Burdon, chief executive of Powder Monkey Group, said: “I am excited to welcome Empress on board, a fantastic addition to our expanding group. It’s also a pleasure to welcome Surj to join our senior management team, adding in his years of sales expertise which he has utilised to create and drive the Empress brand to date.”

Mike McGeever, chairman of Powder Monkey Group, added: “Absolutely delighted to welcome Surj and the team at Empress to the PMG. This acquisition complements the current UK offering and enhances the group’s capacity and capability.”