As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: Is Pabst beer owned by Anheuser Busch?
Pabst beer is not owned by Anheuser Busch. In fact, Pabst has had a rather interesting ownership history. Let me take you through the timeline.
Pabst Brewing Company, commonly known as Pabst, was founded in 1844 by Jacob Best and his sons-in-law. It quickly grew to become one of the largest breweries in the United States, known for its flagship brand, Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR). However, over the years, Pabst faced various challenges and changes in ownership.
In 1985, Pabst was acquired by Paul Kalmanovitz, a California-based investor. Under his ownership, Pabst faced a decline in sales and struggled to maintain its market share in the competitive beer industry. Eventually, in 1996, Pabst filed for bankruptcy.
In 2014, Pabst was acquired by Blue Ribbon Intermediate Holdings LLC, a partnership between Eugene Kashper, a beer entrepreneur, and TSG Consumer Partners, a San Francisco private equity firm. The reported price of the acquisition was $700 million. This ownership change brought a new direction for Pabst, with a focus on revitalizing the brand and expanding its market presence.
Under the current ownership, Pabst has been working on strengthening its portfolio of beers and introducing new products to cater to changing consumer preferences. They have also invested in marketing and branding efforts to reposition Pabst as a relevant and desirable beer brand in the market.
So, in conclusion, Pabst beer is not owned by Anheuser Busch. It is currently owned by Blue Ribbon Intermediate Holdings LLC, a partnership between Eugene Kashper and TSG Consumer Partners. The recent ownership change has brought new energy and strategies to Pabst, as they continue their journey in the competitive beer industry.