SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TSG Consumer Partners LLC ("TSG"), a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector, today announced that it has acquired a minority stake in BrewDog plc (“BrewDog”).
Headquartered in Ellon, Scotland, BrewDog is a leading global independent craft brewer, which has grown tremendously since inception and built a loyal following of passionate fans, many of whom have a stake in the Company due to its successful crowdfunding efforts. Over the past ten years, BrewDog has cultivated an innovative and continually expanding portfolio of craft brews, including flagship beer Punk IPA, alongside Dead Pony Club, Elvis Juice, 5AM Saint, Nanny State, and many more.
“We love to partner with innovative entrepreneurs building best-in-class brands with loyal followings,” said Blythe Jack, Managing Director at TSG. “BrewDog’s founders, James and Martin, exude an energy that is equal parts rebellion and business savvy, and we’re eager to partner with the team to build on their enormous success. We’ve identified key growth drivers and look forward to supporting the BrewDog team as they continue to execute their strategy.”
A significant portion of TSG’s investment will be used to fund BrewDog’s continued global expansion. The balance of the TSG investment will provide liquidity for early BrewDog shareholders, including its ‘Equity for Punks’ crowdfunding investors. Founders James Watt and Martin Dickie will continue to own a controlling stake in the Company following the transaction.
“We are thrilled to welcome TSG as a partner as we keep growing and look towards the US and international markets for further expansion,” said Watt. “We chose TSG because of their expertise and their passion for our vision, which made it easy to turn down several other higher offers. We just want to continue making amazing beer, and invest in the two things we care about most; our beer and our people.”
“BrewDog represents an extremely exciting opportunity for TSG as we continue to add to our growing portfolio of European brands, all of which have enormous potential to grow in the US and internationally,” said TSG President Jamie O’Hara. “BrewDog is now the fourth leading alcoholic beverage brand we’re invested in, and we are looking forward to bringing our expertise in the sector to help BrewDog drive global success.”
Partnering with TSG, BrewDog will be able to continue bringing excellent craft beers to fans all over the world through expanding its operations as an independent brewer, and entering new markets, taking its craft beer revolution to even more international territories.
About TSG Consumer Partners
TSG Consumer Partners, LLC is a leading investment firm with approximately $5 billion of assets under management, focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Since its founding in 1987, TSG has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, beauty, personal care, household and apparel & accessories, and e-commerce sectors. Representative past and present partner companies include Duckhorn Wine Company, vitaminwater, thinkThin, popchips, Muscle Milk, Yard House, Stumptown, Pabst, Planet Fitness, REVOLVE, PAIGE, Smashbox Cosmetics, Pureology, Sexy Hair, e.l.f. Cosmetics and IT Cosmetics. For more information, please visit www.tsgconsumer.com.