Move sparks hopes of a revival
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company (KBD)
A multi-million euro bid to acquire the Killarney Brewing and Distilling (KBD) site in Fossa, Co Kerry, has been made by a local publican and farmer.
Industry sources told the Sunday Independent that Mark Hallissey, owner of The Golden Nugget bar and restaurant in Fossa, had already submitted a substantial offer. He is also one of the country’s largest exporters of cattle.
In December, the Sunday Independent reported that a €4.8m offer was made for the site. It is understood that Hallissey’s bid is higher.
Industry sources said joint-agents Cushman & Wakefield, selling the site on behalf of the receivers, had been seeking a guide price of around €5m.
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KBD has described the 5,760 sq m facility as “the largest independent brewery, distillery, and visitor centre in Ireland”.
The bid should spark hopes that the site can be revived.
In April, James Anderson, a partner at Deloitte Ireland, was appointed as the interim examiner for KBD after the company filed a petition with the High Court. It followed a potential merger with a US partner that fell through.
Ultimately, examinership was unsuccessful. Anderson was subsequently appointed as liquidator.
Michael O’Regan and Declan McDonald from PwC Ireland were also appointed as receivers in late July, and have been working on selling the Co Kerry campus.
KBD’s sole secured creditor is lender Bailmo Limited, due over €3m.
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