Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club is under new ownership after 35 years.
The Mathew Street venue was previously operated by Cavern City Tours Limited, which comprised of Bill Heckle, Dave Jones, George Guinness and Julia Baird.
But the group, which also incorporated the Cavern Pub, Cavern Restaurant and Magical Mystery Tour, has been sold to the London-based firm 14 Collective.
Liverpool-born Keith Blackhurst is set to join the Cavern City Tours board alongside 14 Collective’s CEO Roderik Schlosser as part of the historic ownership transfer.
Bill Heckle said: “It is an emotional day, but a proud day, for the four Scouse owners.
“It was never about putting Cavern City Tours up for sale to the highest bidder and it has taken over five years to find a suitable and like-minded custodian.
“The decision to hand over the reins was not taken lightly, but with all of the shareholders being of advancing years, it was time for retirement.
“However, we leave with the confidence that the new owners will continue to follow the path we have forged over the last 43 years of Cavern City Tours, including 35 years owning The Cavern, and that this iconic piece of music history will continue to be a pivotal and important element in both Liverpool’s economy and its tourism industry, welcoming fans and visitors from all over the world.”