MEDIA STATEMENT:

NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR EMERSONS
Tuesday 6 November, 2012 Emerson's is pleased to advise that we have today reached an
agreement with Lion who will acquire 100% of the shares in our Dunedin based craft beer business.
Effective 30 November 2012, Emerson's will begin an exciting new chapter in its 20 year brewing
history as our team of 12 and our great range of craft beers are welcomed into the Lion NZ family.
Emerson's will remain as a standalone business unit within Lion and will continue to produce the
same great beers from the same Dunedin brewery with the same great people.
Brewery Founder, Richard Emerson says "It is business as usual for Emerson's - the taste, integrity to
style, quality and consistency of our beers will remain the same.  Lion's ownership allows us to
continue doing what we do well - experimenting and brewing great beer. We will now have the
backing to help us to realise our growth aspirations"

"This is a very exciting opportunity for  Emerson's and the team and we remain committed to
Dunedin and maintaining the brand's distinctive character and authenticity" says Emerson.
Rory Glass, Lion NZ Managing Director says "Emerson's is a fantastic brand with a rich story and
iconic beers. It complements Lion's existing beer portfolio well and allows us to offer our customers
an enhanced proposition with a leading portfolio of brands across the specialty, boutique and
popular craft market."

Richard Emerson, General Manager Bob King and Brewing Manager Chris O'Leary will retain the day
to day running of the Emerson's operations and all other roles within the Emerson's business will
remain unchanged.

Emerson's is one of the most successful craft breweries in New Zealand and has won numerous
brewing and business awards over the years including BREWNZ Champion Brewery 2009 and the
Supreme Award Winner at the 2010 Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence
Awards.

ENDS

For further information contact:
Bob King 03 477 1812
027 230 6502