Founders Brewing Co., a Colorado-based brewery, sold a stake of its company to Mahou USA, through its subsidiary Mahou Imports. This merger took place in 2019 when Mahou Imports acquired a 90 percent stake in Founders. However, it's worth mentioning that this was not the first time Founders sold a stake of its company.
In 2014, Founders made the decision to sell a 30 percent stake to Mahou to support its expansion efforts. This strategic partnership allowed Founders to tap into Mahou's extensive knowledge and experience in the beer industry, as well as their distribution network. At the time, Founders was experiencing rapid growth and needed additional resources to meet the increasing demand for their craft beers.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have personally witnessed how partnerships and acquisitions can greatly impact the craft beer industry. While some craft beer enthusiasts may view these mergers as a sign of “selling out” or compromising the integrity of the brand, it's important to consider the potential benefits that can arise from such collaborations.
By joining forces with Mahou, Founders gained access to a broader market and increased distribution capabilities. Mahou's expertise in the beer industry, particularly in the European market, could provide valuable insights and opportunities for Founders to expand its reach globally. This type of partnership can also lead to knowledge sharing between breweries, allowing for innovation and the development of new beer styles and flavors.
Moreover, the financial investment from Mahou USA can provide Founders with the necessary resources for further expansion, such as investing in new equipment, improving infrastructure, and increasing production capacity. This, in turn, allows Founders to meet the growing demand for their beers and maintain their reputation for quality and consistency.
It's worth noting that mergers and acquisitions in the craft beer industry are not uncommon. In recent years, we have seen a number of craft breweries joining forces with larger beer companies or forming partnerships with international breweries. These collaborations often aim to combine the strengths and resources of both parties, ultimately benefiting the craft brewery and its consumers.
Founders Brewing Co. sold a stake of its company to Mahou USA, through its subsidiary Mahou Imports. This partnership, which began with a 30 percent stake in 2014 and later expanded to 90 percent in 2019, provides Founders with the opportunity to tap into Mahou's expertise, distribution network, and financial resources. While the decision to sell a stake of the company may have raised some concerns among craft beer enthusiasts, it is essential to consider the potential benefits and opportunities that arise from such collaborations in the ever-evolving craft beer industry.