BrewDog sale on cards as UK brewer calls in advisers

BrewDog has appointed advisers to work on a sale process for the UK brewer.

The Punk IPA brewer has hired AlixPartners to gauge interest from potential suitors.

According to Sky News, which first reported on the move, a short deadline has been set for interested parties to put forward indicative offers.

The Grocer has reported a sale is likely to be carried out by an administrator.

BrewDog was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie. Watt stepped down as CEO in 2024 and Dickie left the business last year. Both men are still shareholders. US private-equity firm TSG Consumer Partners owns 21% of the brewer after investing BrewDog in 2017.

Last month, UK hospitality business news title Propel said Watt was mulling a move to buy back control of the business.

Approached by Just Drinks, BrewDog sent a statement in which a spokesperson said: “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.

“Following a year of decisive action in 2025, which saw a focus on costs and operating efficiencies, we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment for the business. This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the BrewDog brand and its operations.”

The spokesperson said “no final decisions have been made” and added: “Our breweries, bars and venues continue to operate as normal. We will not comment on any further speculation.”

Just Drinks has contacted AlixPartners for comment.

BrewDog announced last month it would close its spirits unit BrewDog Distilling Co. this year.

The company, which set up its spirits arm in 2016, is to end production of brands including Lonewolf gin, Abstrakt vodka and Duo rum. The production of RTD brand Wonderland Cocktails is due to continue.

In October, BrewDog cut an undisclosed number of jobs across its business, pointing to “a tough and fast-changing market”.

In 2024, the Hazy Jane brewer generated a loss of £34.1m ($46.6m) compared to £62.7m the year prior.

The group ran up an operating loss of £19.6m, against one of £45.6m in 2023.

Net revenue was £280.2m, versus £280.9m the year before.

According to the accounts, lodged with Companies House, the UK business register, BrewDog generated just short of £254m of its net revenue in the UK during 2024.

“BrewDog sale on cards as UK brewer calls in advisers” was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.