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AB InBev acquires Northern Brewer

AB InBev acquires Northern Brewer

Anheuser-Busch InBev acquires something a little different this week. Homebrew supplies. The global brewery has acquired Northern Brewer.

Northern Brewer was founded 23 years ago by Chris Farley (not the actor). Since then the homebrew supply group has grown to one of the largest in the United States, posting $10’s of millions in annual revenue.

Farley has confirmed that Northern Brewer has been acquired by ZX Ventures, the “global disruptive growth unit” of Anheuser-Busch InBev. The details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Farley states in a message on the Northern Brewer site:

First, nothing will fundamentally change as the result of this deal. Our entire leadership team will remain intact and our company will continue to be independent. Our staff of dedicated employees will continue to serve our customers and help our industry innovate. Our culture will remain as it is today: vibrant, energetic, fair and dedicated to our mission and to you.

From here, Farley goes on to say this sale will bring “unparalleled opportunities.” What those are exactly, have not been divulged by the company.

Northern Brewer’s leadership will remain intact, as will all the current employees – for now.

What ZX Ventures, and AB InBev will do with Northern Brewer remains to be seen.

Developing…

6 thoughts on “AB InBev acquires Northern Brewer

  1. How about if homebrewers get their hands on limited hops or yeast that we could never expect to get? Maybe an exact recipe for a rare beer? I’d hope that we all get a chance to brew with something that was never available. You do realize that Goose Island is owned by InBev and it’s still producing some of the coolest beers on the market. But now tons of folks get to try them instead of just locals. I wouldn’t slam them until they do something crazy.

    • Goose Island also took a hit in their customer service. After waiting in line forever to get 2015 Bourbon County and paying a premium, only to find out that all of the bottles were infected. The worst part is the fact they would not refund the unopened bottles. They flood the market with cheap craft beer to price out the small guys. Make no mistake, this is a predatory move.

    • Goose Island has also had one of the biggest Quality Control snafus in their most coveted beer.

      that cult following that was sticking behind Goose Island even after the buyout is dwindling.

      InBev isn’t good for the free market.

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