Getty ImagesBrewdog co-founder James Watt claims he has submitted an offer to buy the firm after quitting as CEO, before it went bust.
Almost 500 jobs were lost at the Ellon-based brewery, and 38 bars shut after a £33m rescue deal was agreed with US firm Tilray in March.
Administrators said the sale kept 733 jobs, but those invested in the brand’s ‘Equity for Punks’ scheme would not get returns.
The self-styled “punk” beer brand was founded by 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.
He formally resigned as a director in March this year.
Dickie announced his departure from the company and the alcohol industry for “personal reasons” in April last year.
Brewdog collapsed with debts of over £500m, and staff members said they were made redundant alongside hundreds of colleagues on a 15-minute Teams call.
Watt then announced the launch of a new company, Second Best Beer, which is now behind the offer he claims has been made to Tilray.
Brewdog created ‘Equity for Punks’ as an in-house crowdfunding scheme which promised beer enthusiasts the chance to “own a slice of brewery and share in its success and growth”.
The scheme is believed to have raised more than £75m between 2009 and 2021, enabling Brewdog to expand into international markets.
Watt has promised that 43,000 Equity Punks who have already joined the bid will get their Brewdog equity back for free.
He said on social media: “If we succeed, every registered punk gets their Brewdog equity back, for free.
“We’d also restore the Real Living Wage, bring back the team’s equity, and put the community back at the heart of the business.”
Brewdog previously dropped a commitment to paying staff the Real Living Wage in 2024, which at the time was £12 per hour and £13.15 per hour in London, due to “unprecedented challenges” in the hospitality industry.
Watt continued: “The punks and the crew built this company and BrewDog deserves to belong to them once more.
“Equity Punks, you backed me once. This time, I’m backing you. Hopefully, we can bring Brewdog home.”
A spokesperson for Tilray said: “We do not comment on speculation. We’re very happy and excited about BrewDog’s business worldwide.”
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