Thoughts of the brewery’s future are never far from most craft brewery operators’ thoughts—but craft brewery ownership changes announced last year may have turned those thoughts in a new direction.
As Brewbound pointed out recently, “it’s no longer a matter of if, but when a prominent craft beer company will announce some kind of sale [to another company].”
The craft brewery ownership changes announced last year were various.
Brewbound created an infographic spotlighting the buyouts, acquisitions, equity investments, and other craft brewery ownership changes that happened in 2015, kicking off with Elysian Brewing Co.’s acquisition by AbInBev in January. As the months passed, it seemed as though more and more big-name craft breweries were announcing sales. In July, Firestone Walker Brewing Company announced it had been acquired by Duvel Moortgat. September was a banner month, with Lagunitas, Saint Archer, Golden Road, and Dogfish Head all announcing sales (whether the entire brewery was acquired or shares were sold to investors).
If your brewery is a start-up or is still quite small, you may not be even entertaining the thought of it being acquired by another company, or of selling shares to private equity investors. On the other hand, if your brewery is growing in size, distribution, and reputation, you may be wondering if buyout offers are hovering on the horizon.
Beall Brewery Insurance wants to remind you that, whatever the size and status of your brewery, if it does experience a change in ownership, you should discuss that change with your insurance agent as soon as possible. Changes in corporate structure and craft brewery finances can have a big impact on your craft brewery insurance needs, particularly when it comes to workers’ compensation. Depending on your brewery’s situation, you may need an entirely new craft brewery insurance policy if your brewery is acquired or there is an ownership change.
For more than 25 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.
