In 2004, Young's announced a review of its brewing operations in Wandsworth. The difficulties experienced in brewing on this ancient and enclosed site, coupled with the desire of the local authority to acquire and re-develop the site forced the company to consider its options.
After a 2 1/2 year review, Young's decided to sell the Ram Brewery site and enter into a joint venture with the Bedford brewers Charles Wells, creating a new force in the industry, Wells & Young's Brewing Company Ltd.
There had been a long-standing personal relationship between the Young's and the Wells families. The decision to combine their joint heritage of brewing expertise, traditional techniques, master brewers' craft and the highest quality ingredients with the many benefits of a large, modern brewery would safeguard the future of Young's ales for generations to come.
John Young, Chairman of the brewery from 1962 and a strong supporter of the new venture, died of cancer aged 85 in the same week that Young's beers were brewed at Wandsworth for the last time.
2007 - Young's pubs continue as a separate, independent retail company. Much of the £69 million raised by Young's through the sale has been earmarked for expansion as well as a major refurbishment programme across the company's pub estate ensuring that Young's pubs will continue to delight their customers with stylish pubs, great service and a fabulous range of traditionally brewed cask ales.
December 2010 Young’s are pleased to announce the acquisition of Geronimo Inns for £60million. Geronimo, which was founded in 1995, operates a high quality estate of 26 individually designed, food-led managed pubs. The estate has exceptional locations with 22 pubs based in Central London, three at Heathrow and one in Surrey. The management team of Geronimo will also be joining Young’s and Rupert Clevely will join as an executive director of the Young’s Board Managing Director – Geronimo.
"Young’s is the perfect home for Geronimo and I am delighted that the Young’s Board wants to continue to embrace and retain Geronimo’s inimitable DNA. Key to our success is the entrepreneurial flair and individuality, proven food expertise and home-from-home hospitality for which Geronimo is renowned and which our customers will continue to enjoy." Rupert Clevely December 2010