Just one day after Kings & Convicts Brewing Co. announced its acquisition of Ballast Point from Constellation Brands, there’s news that another pioneering American brewery has been sold.
California-based Anderson Valley Brewing Co., one of America’s first 20 craft breweries, has been sold in a cash deal to a family ownership group headed by beer and wine industry veteran Kevin McGee, Brewbound reports.
Founded in 1987, Anderson Valley’s beers are currently distributed in over 30 states nationwide.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed but the deal is expected to close on Dec. 13, at which point McGee will start serving as president and CEO of the company. He will call on previous experience working as a corporate lawyer for Jackson Family Wines, and as the founder of a consulting firm specializing in wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries, and cannabis ventures, according to Brewbound.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built, and the McGee family shares our passion for the brand, the beer, and the ethos,” Trey White, Anderson Valley’s owner said in a press release. “We believe we’ve found the perfect steward to lead the company forward. Kevin’s combination of business acumen and passion for quality beer, make him ideally suited for the role.”
In an interview with Brewbound, McGee said he plans to retain all 60 of Anderson Valley’s employees and will hire a brand manager to help increase the brewery’s visibility. McGee also said he would continue to nurture the brewery’s relationships with trade groups such as the Brewers Association (BA) and the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA).
“The really interesting thing about Anderson Valley to us is its history, the substance behind Anderson Valley,” McGee said. “The people there have been making awesome beer for a very long period of time and that’s a necessary starting point.”
Here’s hoping business continues as normal.
