The Society of independent Brewers (SIBA) has taken a majority shareholding in Lancashire-based Flying Firkin Distribution.

The organisation said the move forms part of its commercial strategy to “develop routes to market opportunities” for its 850 craft brewery members.

Flying Firkin Distribution, which has been a distributor of cask ale for more than 25 years, provides sales channels for independent breweries to the on-trade.

SIBA said the deal helps expands routes to market beyond the direct delivery by brewery scheme element of SIBA BeerFlex

Mike Benner, SIBA Chief Executive, said: “This purchase creates an exciting opportunity for SIBA to progress its commercial objectives to fulfil local to national demand for craft beer and firmly establish SIBA as the category leader in British craft-brewed beer.

“We are committed to delivering the future of British beer by creating a sustainable marketplace for professional brewing businesses and our commercial plans reflect this vision.”

The changes to the SIBA Beerflex scheme came under the spotlight earlier this year. Read more about that here.