AB InBev to take 100% stake in craft beers producer Craft Brew Alliance

AB InBev acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance : Belgian drinks giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has agreed to take full ownership in Portland-based craft brewing company Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) in a deal worth around $321 million, as per the latest drinks acquisition news.

Currently, AB InBev holds a stake of 31.2% in Craft Brew Alliance and will buy the remaining shares in the US craft brewing company for $16.50 per share in an all-cash deal.

The American craft beers producer is the owner of the Kona Brewing Company. Its other craft beer brands include Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Redhook Brewery, Cisco Brewers, Omission Brewing Co., Square Mile Cider Co., Wynwood Brewing Co., and Widmer Brothers Brewing.

Most of the brands of Craft Brew Alliance are being distributed already through AB InBev’s network of independent wholesalers as per the existing commercial agreement between the two parties.

AB InBev acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance, a US craft beers producer. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

Commenting on AB InBev acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance, Andy Thomas – CEO of Craft Brew Alliance, said: “Today’s announcement represents an exciting next step in a long and successful partnership with Anheuser-Busch, whose support for the growth of our business and brands traces back over 25 years.

“By combining our resources, our talented teammates, and dynamic brands, we will look to nurture the growth of CBA’s existing portfolio as we continue investing in innovation to meet the changing needs of today’s beverage consumers, all while delivering certainty of value to our shareholders.”

Craft Brew Alliance, which was formed in 2008, will join AB InBev’s Brewers Collective – a collection of craft partners in the US. In the last three years, the Belgian drinks company has invested over $130 million in its craft partners, helping them to grow their production volume by an average of 31%.

Michel Doukeris, CEO of AB InBev, commenting on AB InBev acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance, said: “Anheuser-Busch has a long track record of working with its craft partners to help make the U.S. beer category stronger and more vibrant.

“Our partnership with CBA goes back many years and we look forward to supporting CBA as they continue to bring great products to beer drinkers across the U.S.”

AB InBev acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance will be closed in 2020, subject to approval by a majority of the US craft beers producer’s shareholders not affiliated with the Belgian drinks giant, and also certain regulatory approvals.

Earlier this year, Craft Brew Alliance said that its growth unit pH Experiment launched its second new product test, which is a range of low alcohol, low-calorie seltzers under the brand Pacer Low Proof Seltzer.