This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Anchor Distilling splits from Anchor Brewing after buy-out
San Francisco-based distiller and importer Anchor Distilling Company is now “fully independent” from Anchor Brewing Company after Japan’s Sapporo Holdings acquired the latter firm for an undisclosed sum.
Old Potrero rye whiskey producer Anchor Distilling Company is now “fully independent =”
Anchor Brewing Company was founded in San Francisco in 1896 and will continue to operate out of the city following the acquisition. Sapporo will now aim to “grow the brand globally”.
Anchor’s management team will continue to run the business but “benefit from superior financing and additional resources” following the deal, which is expected to close on 31 August, subject to customary closing conditions.
“Both companies share a brewing philosophy backed by long histories and this transaction enables both Sapporo Group’s US business and Anchor Brewing Company’s global business to make a further leap forward,” said Masaki Oga, president and representative director, Sapporo Holdings.
Anchor Distilling Company is not included in the transaction and “will now become a fully independent company in its own right”.
The firm produces brands including Old Potrero rye whiskey and Junipero gin, and imports spirits such as Nikka Whisky and Hine Cognac. Its complete portfolio consists of nearly 400 spirits brands from around the world.
The original Anchor Distilling Company was established in 1993 by Fritz Maytag, who purchased Anchor Brewing in 1965. In 2014, the company doubled its production capacity to meet demand for Old Potrero.