US actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have acquired a majority stake in the UK-based brewer Wrexham Lager.
The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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Reynolds and McElhenney become “co-owners” of the Welsh company following the transaction alongside the Roberts family, who have owned the business since 2011.
The deal was carried out by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture between Reynolds and McElhenney’s RR McReynolds Company and the New York-based Allyn family.
RR McReynolds has a majority stake in the football club Wrexham AFC. The Allyn family holds a minority shareholding.
The investment in Wrexham Lager is expected to help “considerably scale up Wrexham Lager’s infrastructure and international production, distribution, and marketing efforts”, the brewer said.
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By GlobalDataThe Roberts family is expected to remain involved in the business following the deal, continuing to look after brewery operations, product quality control and engagement projects with the local community.
James Wright, the CEO of Wrexham Lager, will also stay at the helm of the company.
“This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world,” Wright said. “To have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe”.
In a joint statement, Reynolds and McElhenney added: “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC we have learned a lot. The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides rule and the occasional need for beer – especially after finance meetings. Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”
Speaking to Just Drinks last month, Wright said the business was looking to export its beers in Canada from October and in the US the following month, through unnamed distribution partners.
The company’s most recent statement yesterday said that distribution in both countries was due to start “in the coming months”.
As of September, Wrexham Lager is also sold in Australia, available in all 270 Dan Murphy stores as well as online. The listings include the Wrexham Lager 330ml bottle six-packs and Wrexham Lager 330ml bottle 24-packs.
The Welsh brewer’s portfolio includes a 4.6% abv Wrexham Pilsner, 4% abv Wrexham Lager and 5% abv export lager.
It also sells to on- and off-trade locations in the UK, and just to off-trade in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Reynolds has invested in the alcohol industry before, buying an “ownership interest” in Aviation Gin, owned by Davos Brands in 2018.
At the time, Davos told Just Drinks the Canadian actor had become a “significant owner” and board member.
The brand was bought by Diageo in 2020 via its purchase of Davos Brands. Reynolds’ “ownership interest” in Aviation was said to be unaffected by the purchase.
