Expat investor tips into Margaret River Brewhouse

Fresh from winning approval for its new production facility, Margaret River Brewhouse has a new investor in the form of an ex-partner from one of London’s 'magic circle' law firms.

Former Linklaters commercial litigator Michael Sanders has taken a significant stake in the brewery and hospitality business, the second time there has been an ownership change since it was founded almost seven years ago.

Mr Sanders joins two of the three original founders, Iliya Hastings and Aaron Brown, who bought out another founding stakeholder in more recent times.

Last week, Mr Hastings confirmed the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River recently approved a new brewing facility on Station Road in an industrial area a short distance from its Bussell Highway venue.

The planned a two-stage development will move brewing to the new site, initially taking capacity to about 700,000 litres a year, up from existing production of 260,000 litres a year.

A second building on the new industrial premises has been earmarked in a future development, which could take capacity to as much as 1.5 million litres a year, for a total investment between $2 million and $2.5 million.

Mr Sanders said he retired from professional life and returned to WA four years ago, opting to live initially in Margaret River where he has strong family connections. He met his new business partners through the local community, including the primary school where they have children.

“I have been investing in the startup scene, effectively I run a small family company,” Mr Sanders said of his activities since returning from the UK, where he focused on competition law.

“I have retired from big law and I am managing investments and helping startups.”

Mr Sanders, who these days splits his time between Margaret River and Perth, said he would have a non-executive role but planned to be more active than he had been to date with his other local investments.

“Up until now I have taken a back seat,” he said.

“I think I am recharged now and happy to get stuck in.

“I think I have the energy to contribute.”

The group has a vision to grow demand in markets beyond the region and outlets it already supplies in Perth.