Tim Palmer Hobgoblin and Goliath will be rubbing shoulders with Bishop's Tipple and Löwenbräu if the deal to sell Wychwood brewery to Refresh UK goes through next month. Privately funded Refresh has emerged as the frontrunner to buy the innovative micro brewer after venture capitalist 3i announced it was offloading its stake in Wychwood. Refresh has now entered exclusive negotiations to buy the brewery and brand business. Wychwood's pubs will be sold off in a separate deal to the Balaclava Pub Company. Wychwood's finance director, Paul Adams, said: "We anticipate the deal will be completed in four or five weeks. "There were other people interested in us but Refresh put in the best offer. It makes sense for us to go to Refresh which can put money behind the brands." Refresh was created in June 2000 from the break up of Ushers Brewery. It owns Manns Original Brown Ale, Bishop's Tipple premium ale, Ushers Best Bitter and Vintage Ales and Bangla strong lager. It is also the UK agent for Löwenbräu lager and Franzikaner wheat beer. Sales director Richard Luscombe said: "Wychwood has some successful brands which will fit well in our portfolio. They will increase our volume sales by 50%." He said the plan was to continue brewing at the Wychwood brewery. Wychwood has built a reputation for producing quirky premium ales with distinctive labels. Its sales have taken off in the on-trade and in the last five years it has developed a strong following in the take home market with distribution in the major multiples. Its portfolio includes Hobgoblin, Goliath, Fiddler's Elbow and the organic ale Circle Master. It also distributes beers for three regional brewers ­ Caledonian, Brakspear, and Exmoor. These deals will stay in place. {{DRINKS }}