BrewDog Beer Company May Be Sold

BrewDog, the well-known craft beer company, is exploring selling itself. This might lead to new owners or the company being split up. The company says its bars and breweries are still open and working as usual.
By Newsroom | Business, Food & Drink |

BrewDog, the prominent craft beer company, is reportedly undergoing a sale process that could lead to its dissolution or acquisition by new investors. The company has engaged financial experts to explore its options, signaling a potential shift for one of Scotland's well-known consumer brands. The news follows a period of business adjustments, including a halt in spirit production. Operations at its breweries and bars are said to continue as normal.

BrewDog is currently in a sale process, potentially leading to a breakup of the company.

BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale - 1

Business Review and Strategic Adjustments

BrewDog's decision to explore a sale is framed by the company as a "deliberate and disciplined step" to "strengthen the long-term future" of the brand. This move comes as businesses grapple with a "challenging economic climate and sustained macro headwinds."

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  • The company operates 72 bars globally and four breweries in locations including the UK, the US, Australia, and Germany.

  • It employs approximately 1,400 people.

  • BrewDog holds a significant position as the No. 1 independent brewer in the UK and produces five of the top eight UK craft beer brands.

Recently, BrewDog halted the production of gin and vodka at its Scottish distillery to "sharpen" its business focus.

BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale - 2

Exploration of Ownership Options

Financial experts from AlixPartners, known for restructuring, have been brought in to manage the sale process and field interest from potential bidders. While the company has not made final decisions, the exploration of sale options is a notable development.

"As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate and facing sustained macro headwinds, we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company." - BrewDog Spokesperson

Read More: BrewDog Beer Company is For Sale

  • This process could result in the break-up of the company, with different parts being sold off.

  • Co-founder James Watt, still a major shareholder, is reportedly considering a bid to buy the company back, with assistance from financial backers.

  • AlixPartners has declined to comment on the ongoing sales process.

Operational Continuity and Brand Strength

Despite the ongoing discussions regarding ownership, BrewDog emphasizes that its day-to-day operations remain unaffected.

BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale - 3

"This does not change our day-to-day operations, our roles or our immediate plans. Our bars and breweries continue to operate as normal, and our focus remains on brewing world-class beer, serving our customers brilliantly and supporting our teams." - BrewDog Spokesperson

  • The company asserts its standing as a global pioneer in craft beer with a "world-class consumer brand" and a "highly engaged global community."

  • Products include well-known craft beers such as Punk IPA, Elvis Juice, and Hazy Jane.

Market Position and Economic Context

The craft beer industry, like many sectors, is subject to economic pressures. BrewDog's strategic review is positioned within this broader context.

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  • BrewDog is described as a global pioneer in craft beer and the No. 1 independent brewer in the UK.

  • The company's product portfolio includes brands that are among the top-selling craft beers in the UK.

Previous Business Adjustments and Personnel Changes

The current situation follows other recent adjustments within BrewDog.

BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale - 4

  • In January 2026, the company stopped producing spirits at its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

  • In August 2025, co-founder James Watt left the company, citing personal reasons.

  • In October 2025, BrewDog announced job cuts after reporting a £37 million loss.

Expert Analysis

"This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the BrewDog brand and its operations." - BrewDog Spokesperson

The engagement of AlixPartners, a firm specializing in restructuring and advisory services, suggests a formal process is underway to manage potential acquisitions or divestitures.

Conclusion and Implications

BrewDog's current engagement with financial advisors for a potential sale marks a significant juncture for the company. While operational continuity is assured in the short term, the outcome of this process could lead to a substantial restructuring or even the dissolution of the company as it currently exists. The reported interest from co-founder James Watt adds a layer of complexity to the potential future ownership structure. The "challenging economic climate" and "macro headwinds" cited by the company are likely contributing factors to this strategic re-evaluation.

Sources

Read More: BrewDog Beer Company Looking for New Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is BrewDog closing down?
BrewDog is exploring a sale, which means it might get new owners or be split into parts. It is not closing down right now.
Q: Will BrewDog bars and breweries stay open?
Yes, the company says that all its bars and breweries will keep working as normal.
Q: Why is BrewDog looking to sell?
The company said it is a step to make the business stronger for the future, especially because the economy is difficult right now.
Q: Who might buy BrewDog?
The company has asked experts to help find buyers. One of the people who started BrewDog might try to buy it back.