BrewDog put up for sale after 'year of decisive action'

Aberdeenshire-based craft brewer BrewDog has been put up for sale after a “year of decisive action”.

The renowned alcohol brand has appointed New York-based restructuring specialists AlixPartners to oversee the process.

The news comes after the company abandoned its state-of-the-art distillery last month, which opened in 2016, and axed its spirit brands.

In 2024, BrewDog posted losses of £37m in 2024 and announced job cuts across the business, including at its head office and brewery in Ellon.

The self-styled “punk” beer brand was founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007.

Watt stepped down as chief executive in 2024 after a series of controversies, including allegations of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by former employees.

Dickie announced his departure from the company and the alcohol industry for “personal reasons” in April last year.

Months later, the company said it would be closing ten of its bars, including its flagship bar on Aberdeen’s Gallowgate, the first bar opened by the company in 2010, and one in Dundee.

James Watt stepped down as chief executive in 2024 STV News

BrewDog say the latest decision to appoint AlixPartners has been made to strengthen “the long-term future” of the brand.

A spokesperson from the company said: “As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate and facing sustained macro headwinds, we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company.

“Following a year of decisive action in 2025, which saw a focus on costs and operating efficiencies, we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment for the business.

“This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the BrewDog brand and its operations.

“BrewDog remains a global pioneer in craft beer: a world-class consumer brand, the No.1 independent brewer in the UK and with a highly engaged global community. We believe that this combination will attract substantial interest, though no final decisions have been made.

“Our breweries, bars, and venues continue to operate as normal.”