East Anglian drinks distribution business JV, which has depots at Lowestoft and Sawston, near Cambridge, is to be merged with the operations of Great Yarmouth-based craft brewer Lacons.

Lacons, which traces its origins back to 1760 but was closed following its acquisiton by Whitbread in the 1960s, was revived in 2013 and has been working with JV as its distribution partner.

Mick Carver, who is managing director of both companies, said: “We have worked in partnership with JV since our return and the relationship they have with the licensed trade in Cambridgeshire and Essex is second to none.

“As a business, their core values are parallel to Lacons and for us and all involved it makes perfect sense to marry both entities together under the iconic Lacons name and manage them as one.”

From Thursday, March 19, JV’s Sawston delivery centre, which currently employs 15 of the business’ combined workforce of 70 people, will become a regional hub for the brewery.

Mr Carver added: “Lacons as a name carries such nostalgic significance for so many people in this region, it’s a story that began over 250 years ago and was nearly lost forever in the late 1960s.

“This decision means the name can once again stand proud, not only as a brewer, but as a business that offers a complete support package to the many public houses that require it.”

Lacons, which recently celebrated the brewing of its 10,000th barrel of ale, will be representing the East region in the national final of the Society of Independent Brewer’s national beer competition on March 18, with its Encore ale in contention in the Standard Bitter category.