Founders barrel-aged question

Your loss bud.

 

They are in it to make money. It is hard to convince people of that, especially on BA. They are not concerned about a lot of the things you are concerned about. The owners are getting older and probably figured that this is kind of the last move to make. It is a smart move and I would have done the same thing. I find it funny that people, who no nothing about business, like to make business decisions for people who have already been very successful. I think they know what they are doing...

 

Why on earth does it matter if it is a Spanish company? Partnering across the pond works well, more good people get to drink Founders.

 

Boston Beer and Sierra Nevada don't appear interested in buying a craft brewer. Also, Founders chose a family owned company and one that strategically has in-roads in Europe. They are thinking ahead and wanting to build their brand in Europe. Much better choice than Elysian (to ABI) or SweetWater (churn & burn PE firm).

 

I feel that Backwoods bastard might have one of the best price points for such a quality barrel aged beer. I found myself picking up close to a case of it, grabbing a four pack at a time this fall wondering why it was still sitting on the shelf. Besides the hype of KBS, I feel that there are a lot of people that just don't like scotch ales that much which may contribute to it being more available.

 

Because roughly 1/3 of every Founders purchase now goes to support Spain instead of the USA. Now if Founders was the only choice that would be one thing, but there's so many great American owned breweries why support one that isn't? Michigan alone has Bells, Shorts, Dark Horse, New Holland. I also no longer support Goose Island. I wouldn't have lost respect for Founders if they sold to their employees or another American company.

 

Both KBS and Backwoods were gone Rather fast over here probably due to it being new but I love both with a slight edge to Kibbis

 

That just fundamentally misunderstands the impact of investment. If you said, "1/3 of the profits go to Spain" that would be closer. Money paid to Founders is spent, currently almost entirely in the U.S., to make the beer and distribute it. Some small portion becomes profit, and 1/3 of that money goes to Spain, but only if it is not plowed back into the business to grow it. I'm guessing that only a very small percentage of any purchase I make is going to end up in the pocket of a Spanish businessperson.

Now, if Founders closed up shop and sold off its entire operation, then after all debts were paid, I suspect the Spanish company would get 1/3 of what remains, but I'm guessing that is not the plan. In the meantime, since most of its operations are in the U.S., most of the money circulates here.

 

So you also must own, all american made clothes, an american car, american appaliences, and american tv, an american computer, only buy american grown food, ect ect ect.

 

Correct. Thank you.

 

If there's an American product for roughly the same quality and price, then yes I do my best to buy American. Like I mentioned, it'd be one thing if Founders was the only choice. If more people did this our economy would be better.

 

Have not had issue getting qty of Backwoods Bastard. Different story for KBS......, get my 1 or 2 bottles upon release from my local beer guy.

 

While I agree that it is good to choose american when possible. As @Tsar_Riga said I dont think you understand how the 30% stake works. It represents a cash influx to GROW an american company.