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A-B shopping spree continues with Breckenridge acquistion

Posted in Beers, Breweries, News, Trends on   

Anheuser-Busch today announced it will acquire Colorado-based Breckenridge Brewery. Breckenridge Brewery is the seventh craft brewery to join The High End, Anheuser-Busch’s business unit of craft and import brands. Goose Island Beer Company, Blue Point Beer Company, 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company, Golden Road Brewing and Four Peaks Brewing Company are the others.

A-B announced that it has acquired Four Peaks only Friday, and in the interim A-B InBev bought Camden Town Brewery in London.

“We’re excited about the partnership and have been encouraged to continue on our path and become more innovative moving forward,” Breckenridge president Todd Usry said in a press release. “I’m a believer in what The High End is focused on accomplishing and we are flattered that our team was chosen to help guide that journey. We’re looking forward to utilizing resources like decades of research and brewing expertise as we continue to create new beers.”

Available in 35 states, Breckenridge Brewery will sell approximately 70,000 barrels of beer in 2015. The partnership includes the company’s new production brewery and Farm House restaurant in Littleton, and original brewpub and current innovation center in the mountain town of Breckenridge.

The current management group, Breckenridge-Wynkoop, will continue to own and operate its remaining businesses including: Ale House at Amato’s in Denver; Breckenridge Ale House in Grand Junction; Breckenridge Colorado Craft in Denver; The Cherry Cricket in Denver; Mainline in Fort Collins; Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. in Colorado Springs; and Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver.

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A-B acquires Four Peaks Brewing

Posted in Breweries, News on   

Anheuser-Busch has acquired Arizona-based Four Peak Brewing, the sixth craft brewery it has added to The High End, the company’s business unit for craft and import brands.

“For 20 years we’ve had more amazing experiences than I can count doing what we love to do most – brewing great beer and sharing it with a growing craft community in Arizona that has supported us from day one,” Andy Ingram, Four Peaks co-founder, said in a press release announcing the deal. “We’re excited to join the enthusiastic team and tap into their resources to expand our footprint and share our beer with even more people moving forward.”

Four Peaks will join Goose Island Beer Company, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company and Golden Road Brewing in The High End portfolio.

The deal includes the company’s three primary locations: the 8th Street Brewery & Pub in Tempe; the Wilson Street Brewery & Tasting Room in Tempe; and the Grill & Tap in Scottsdale, in addition to continuing their partnership at the Sky Harbor Airport facility. Anheuser-Busch’s acquisition of Four Peaks is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is currently is assessing the impact of this announcement.

“Many of our members are personally happy for the owners and employees of Four Peaks Brewing Company. Consolidation, however, represents a threat to local breweries because it affects our ability to gain access to markets, raw ingredients and resources,” the guild stated in a press release. .