Australian Beer Co (ABCo) has acquired Ampersand Projects as it advances its ambitions in the spirits and RTD categories. Ampersand was founded in 2018 by Marcus Kellett, Shaun Rankins and Alex Bottomley.
The founders will continue in their roles while working with the ABCo team to further the brand. The acquisition will enable the Ampersand Portfolio to access all resources within the ABCo business.
ABCo is a subsidiary of Casella Family Brands. In 2022, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia sold its share of ABCo Casella, its joint venture partner.
Casella Family Brands MD John Casella said it was an ‘exciting’ acquisition for ABCo as the liquor company looks to expand its offerings in the spirits and RTD categories.
Since its inception, Ampersand’s Vodka Soda cans have sold more than 15 million cans.
“I see this acquisition as more than just a business deal; it is a relationship that brings together the strengths of two independent companies with similar ideologies to continue to innovate the spirit industry,” said Casella.
Rankins said that Ampersand would be utilising the Casella Family Brands time-tested expertise in the development and continuation of Ampersand products.
“Our new relationship will maintain and deepen our customer and supplier relationships while we remain an independent Australian business,” said Rankin.
