Last week, Founders brewery filed documents with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, revealing that Spain's Best Beer Inc., an affiliate of Mahou San Miguel Group, will acquire a 90% stake in the Grand Rapids-based company starting in January 2020. This is not the first time Mahou San Miguel has invested in Founders, as they had previously purchased a 30% stake back in December 2014.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I find this news quite interesting. Mahou San Miguel is a well-known brewery based in Spain, and they have a strong presence in the global beer market. Their investment in Founders shows their confidence in the brand and their commitment to expanding their reach in the United States.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to try beers from both Founders and Mahou San Miguel, and I must say that they each have their own unique qualities. Founders is known for their bold and flavorful craft beers, while Mahou San Miguel is renowned for their traditional European-style lagers. It will be fascinating to see how these two brewing philosophies can come together under this new partnership.
The decision to sell a majority stake in the company is a significant one for Founders. It allows them to access the resources and expertise of Mahou San Miguel, which can help them grow and expand their operations. This infusion of capital can be instrumental in increasing production capacity, expanding distribution networks, and fueling innovation in brewing techniques.
However, some beer enthusiasts may have concerns about the potential impact of this acquisition on the quality and authenticity of Founders' beers. Craft beer lovers often appreciate the independence and creativity of smaller breweries, and there is a fear that increased corporate involvement could lead to compromises in the brewing process or a focus on profit over quality.
It will be crucial for Mahou San Miguel and Founders to find a balance between maintaining the integrity of the brand and utilizing the resources and expertise of the larger parent company. This is not an easy task, and we have seen both successful and unsuccessful examples of such partnerships in the past.
One example that comes to mind is the partnership between Anheuser-Busch InBev and craft breweries such as Goose Island and Wicked Weed. While some argue that these collaborations have led to increased distribution and exposure for the craft breweries involved, others feel that the beers have lost some of their originality and uniqueness.
Ultimately, the success of this acquisition will depend on how Mahou San Miguel and Founders navigate these challenges. It is my hope that they can find a way to preserve the spirit and quality of Founders' beers while leveraging the resources of the larger parent company to fuel growth and innovation.
Founders brewery has sold a majority stake to Spain's Best Beer Inc., an affiliate of Mahou San Miguel Group. This partnership presents both opportunities and challenges for the brewery. It will be interesting to see how they navigate these waters and what the future holds for Founders' beers.