Ilkley Brewery has been acquired by its former manager’s recently-founded beer company.

Half Full Beer Co, which was founded by former Ilkley manager Luke Raven, bought the £1.6m-turnover brewer for an undisclosed sum.

Ilkley Brewery director Richard Shelton will remain in post to ensure continuity at the business, which sells 22 keg, cask and bottled beers across the UK and internationally.

The investment in the company will double brewing capacity at Ilkley within two years, as well as creating new jobs.

 Ilkley co-founder Chris Ives will exit the business as a result of the buyout.

Mr Raven, managing director at Half Full, spent almost four years at Ilkley before leaving in March to start the new venture.

While the company initially planned to launch a rival brewery, it will focus on growing its established beer brand.

“The more we’ve looked at the project here, the more excited we’ve been about the potential here for Ilkley Brewery,” said Mr Raven.

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