USA: Rush Beverage aiming at purchasing new brewery

The marketing agent for Rush Beverage, the Company RushNet, is aiming to further its expansion into the drinks market with the purchase of a US brewery, according to media reports. The drinks licensee is working with the investment group Lynch Partnership One, led by well-known entrepreneur Michael Lynch. Together they will proceed with the private acquisition of the brewery.

Upon completion, RushNet will become the exclusive marketing agent for both existing products produced at the brewery and for any future drinks. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. RushNet president Robert Corr said, "The brewery alliance, by providing RushNet with a constant stream of innovative quality beverages, can transform our company into a full-fledged beverage marketing firm."

The brewery, one of America's oldest, has been family owned and operated for over 100 years and brews and produces its own high-quality branded line of alcoholic and malt beverages and gourmet sodas. The company already supplies Ginseng Rush and other Rush Beverage products. Sales at the brewery were up 40% in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period last year. Mr Corr stated the company plans would be to introduce a "complete line of innovative all-natural beverages, such as fresh-brewed flavoured teas and sodas, and lightly carbonated 100% juice drinks."