After heavy losses, bar closures and distillery shutdown, the craft beer pioneer faces a potential change of ownership
Scottish craft beer pioneer BrewDog is facing a potential ownership change. The company has officially launched a structured sale process and appointed restructuring specialists AlixPartners to oversee it.
Financially, the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. In 2024, BrewDog reported a loss of approximately GBP 37 million. Over the past several years, total deficits have reached around GBP 148 million. Rising energy and labour costs, combined with a cooling craft beer market, have put increasing pressure on the business.
Only last month, the company decided to shut down its entire spirits division and close its state-of-the-art distillery in Ellon. At the same time, several UK bars were closed, including the company’s original flagship bar in Aberdeen.
Today, BrewDog operates four major breweries: in Ellon (Scotland), in the US state of Ohio, in Brisbane (Australia), and in Berlin (Germany). In addition, more than 70 bars worldwide form part of its network – a complex structure that is now under review as part of the sale process.
Flagship beers such as Punk IPA, Hazy Jane and Elvis Juice will remain available, according to the company. Production, supply chains and bar operations continue as normal for the time being.
For consumers, nothing will change on shelves in the short term. However, whether BrewDog is sold as a whole or split into individual sites and business units could significantly influence the brand’s strategic direction in the future.
One thing is certain: the former “punk” rebel of the craft beer boom is entering a new chapter.
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