Sleeman Breweries Ltd. to reduce Dartmouth workforce

Company actively working with prospective buyers to finalize an agreement

GUELPH, ON, Oct. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Sleeman Breweries Ltd. announced today that it has reduced the workforce at its Dartmouth N.S. brewing facility. A total of 14 full and part-time employees were affected by the decision. The company continues to proceed with discussions with prospective buyers of the facility and are confident an agreement can be achieved to keep the facility open as a brewery.

"We've committed to maintain as many jobs as possible throughout the sale of the facility," says Pierre Ferland, National Vice President, Operations, Sleeman Breweries Ltd. "It's become clear a new owner would not be able to maintain the entire staff with a new operation. So, this reduction is the best way to solidify the remaining jobs while we finalize an agreement with a prospective owner."

Sleeman Breweries currently produces more than 1.8 million hL of volume a year at facilities across Canada, including 27,000 hL from its Dartmouth facility.

About Sleeman Breweries Limited
Sleeman Breweries Ltd. is the third largest brewing company nation-wide. The company has supplemented its core Sleeman brands, which are available in every province, with a family of exceptional regional brands. These include Okanagan Spring in British Columbia and Unibroue in Quebec as well as Old Milwaukee and Pabst Blue Ribbon. In 2006, Sleeman Breweries Limited was acquired by Sapporo Holdings Limited of Japan. The company markets and/or distributes world class imported products such as Guinness, Sol, Dos Equis and Tecate and is supported by 1,000 employees.

SOURCE: SLEEMAN BREWERIES LTD.

Nick Cowling
Citizen Optimum
[email protected]
416-573-5614