BrewDog seeks purchaser as beer growth goes flat

Craft beer giant Brewdog has called in restructuring experts to oversee a possible sale of the business.

The Scottish firm, behind drinks including Punk IPA, has appointed AlixPartners to field interest from potential suitors as it battles difficulties including growing losses and job cuts.

Those thought to be interested include James Watt, who co-founded Brewdog in 2007, according to Sky News.

Watt, who stepped down as the beer group’s chief executive in 2024, remains one of its largest shareholders.

‘As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate… we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company,’ Brewdog said in a statement.

‘Following a year of decisive action in 2025… we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment.’

In difficulty: Craft beer giant Brewdog has called in restructuring experts to oversee a possible sale of the business

But it is thought any sale would be unlikely to attract a price tag near a previously estimated £2 billion, with the firm reporting a loss of £37 million last year despite raking in £357 million in sales. A deal had stoked hope among Brewdog’s 220,000 small shareholders, with the company having previously raised £75 million by selling stock to customers in exchange for perks such as discounts and early access to new beers.

Five years ago, the brewer was rocked by allegations from former employees that it had created a ‘culture of fear’, prompting it to overhaul its company culture. But this has failed to reverse difficulties, as the firm struggles to respond to a downturn in the sector.

Last month, Brewdog unveiled plans to shut down its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and said it would stop making brands including Duo Rum after several bar closures in 2025.