Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City is preparing to dip its toes into the Atlantic, with a September rollout planned for the state of Massachusetts. Boulevard has already enjoyed success selling its Smokestack Series in the Northwest and now will see how the specialty line will do in the Northeast.

“Adding an East Coast market to our distribution portfolio is a big step for the brewery,” said John McDonald, Boulevard founder and president. “The craft beer movement in New England continues to gain momentum, and we are eager to see how our brands will play in that part of the country.”

All year-round, seasonal, and limited-release Smokestack Series beers will be available, some in 750ml bottles and others in 12-ounce four-packs. Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale will also be sold in five-gallon kegs.

“We are very excited that Boulevard Brewing Company has chosen us to represent their brands,” said Bill Burke, president of Burke Distributing of Boston. “They are the first supplier to sign on with MBA, our recently formed distributor network, and we are fully committed to their success. Working with an organization like Boulevard, known for their integrity as well as their fine beer, is a real honor for us, and we look forward to a long relationship.”

Boulevard is set to begin another brewery expansion in October. A six-month, $3 million project will remove six original 105-barrel fermentation tanks, replacing them with eight 300-barrel vessels built in neighboring Springfield, Mo. Upon completion, Boulevard’s annual fermentation capacity will jump by approximately 20%, surpassing 200,000 barrels annually.

Asahi Group Holdings has struck a deal to buy New Zealand beverage group Independent Liquor for $1.3 billion, giving the Japanese brewing giant a ready-to-drink cocktail maker to add to its stash of assets in the Oceania market.

Japanese brewers have been on an acquisition spree, using the strong yen to pick up foreign companies and to counter slowing sales in their home market. Beer sales within Japan have fallen 15% in the last decade.

Asahi bought all outstanding shares of Flavoured Beverages Group, the parent company of Independent Liquor known for its “Woodstock Bourbon” and “Vodka Cruiser” brands, from private equity firms.

Young’s & Co. has ended its last ties with its historic London brewery.

Young’s began operations as the Ram Brewery in Wandsworth in 1831, and until 2006 — when it sold a majority stake to Charles Wells and closed its London brewery — claimed the site was the oldest British brewery in continuous operation, with evidence of brewing going back to the 16th century.

Young is selling its 40% share in the joint venture to Charles Wells for £15 million. The Young’s business now consists of 246 pubs, including 26 sites from the acquisition of gastropub group Geronimo Inns in December.