Close Brothers Sells Brewery Rentals Arm

A Strategic Evolution

Close Brothers Group has announced the sale of Close Brewery Rentals (CBRL) to MML Keystone, a fund managed by MML Capital. This move is part of a strategy to simplify the bank's portfolio while allowing our business the independence and capital needed to truly flourish as a specialist leader in the sector.

Over the last 18 years, the brewery rentals business has grown into a powerhouse, managing over a million kegs and casks and serving more than 500 breweries across the UK and Ireland. Under the new ownership of MML Keystone, the business will be rebranded as ekeg, with a renewed focus on innovation, tech-led tracking, and sustainable container pooling.

Independence and Innovation

This sale marks the start of an exciting new phase. While Close Brothers remains a key lender in the beverage finance market, ekeg will operate as a standalone market leader. We’re excited to have a home with MML Keystone—an international firm that understands the value of the circular economy and shares our ambition to build and scale the best keg operations in the world.