Liquidators complete sale of Manchester brewery’s IP and goodwill

Liquidators from Quantuma have completed the sale of the intellectual property (IP) and goodwill of a Manchester-based brewery and cidery brand. Skinnybrands fell into liquidation at the beginning of April.

Founded in 2015, the £1.7 million-turnover company supplied lower carb and lower calorie lagers, IPAs and ciders. The brand was well-established as a supplier to supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons and B&M, as well as high street stores.

However, the business fell into liquidation on April 8 2026, with Jeremy Woodside and Tracey Pye of Quantuma appointed as liquidators. Following their appointment, the liquidators managed the sale and marketing process for the IP and goodwill of Skinnybrands, using Quantuma’s network of buyers and investors to identify the most suitable buyer.

A number of interested parties were engaged with, including brewers, other drinks industry businesses and a consortium of investors with complementary product portfolios. The process generated several offers, with the joint liquidators ultimately accepting an offer that provided the best overall outcome for creditors.

The acquisition sees Chesterfield-based Global Brands acquire Skinnybrands IP and goodwill, in a deal that brings products including Skinny IPA, Skinny Lager and Skinny Fruit Cider into the business.

The deal reflects Global Brands’ strategy of expanding its drinks portfolio, following deals for Hooch, Hooper’s and Reef in 2023. According to founder and Chief Executive Steve Perez, the acquisition also fits with the group’s focus on evolving consumer trends.

Perez commented: “I have long admired Skinny Brands – the shift towards low calorie, gluten-free options is something we have been actively monitoring for some time at Global Brands, and the team has done an impressive job at building a brand in what is a highly competitive and fast-evolving category.

“We are always evaluating how we can strengthen our brand portfolio for our customers, and this acquisition marks another important milestone in that journey. Skinny Brands has built a strong position within the ‘better for you’ drinks space, and we believe these drinks offer a great, natural fit for our business and for the customers we work alongside.

“With Global Brands’ international reach, this acquisition means we are able to put the full strength of our business behind Skinny Brands – from distribution and logistics to our established customer network – accelerating its growth by introducing it to new markets. Ultimately our ambition is to take Skinny Brands from a strong challenger brand to a truly mainstream player, both in the UK and internationally.”

Commenting on the sale of Skinnybrands’ IP and goodwill, joint liquidator Jeremy Woodside said: "We were quickly able to run a sales process and thereafter complete a sale in a relatively short timescale, and I am very pleased that the Quantuma team was well placed to make this happen.”

"Following our appointment, we instructed Lambert Smith Hampton to undertake a marketing exercise for the company’s intellectual property and goodwill. A number of potential purchasers were approached, including parties who had previously expressed interest, alongside broader marketing to relevant operators within the sector and LSH’s established network.”

"I am delighted to complete the sale - in addition to maximising realisations, the successful bid ensured the continuation of the brand in the market and provides an opportunity for certain former employees to support the brand with the purchaser going forward. It was important to act quickly to preserve as much value in the brand as possible and to minimise the risk of the product being delisted by major supermarket retailers."

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