Oskar Blues Expanding Barrel Program?

Within the last year OB purchased (leased?) the unit next to them at their production facility in Longmont (Tasty Weasel location). The unit is BIG, like pretty much doubling the size of the facility. My memory is a little fuzzy but I believe it was more of quick land grab as the space had recently become available so OB had to jump on it. How they were going to use the space was still up in the air but they knew they could use the extra space. However one thing they knew for sure is that they are going to expand their barrel program, or so one of taproom gals told me.

 

With the investment in OB, I can't say I'd disagree...it's not like it's a case where a brewery gets a big cash influx/or new investor just to improve distribution (as their distro is pretty great already). I'm sure they've got big plans - they always seem to move very quickly though, so suspect we'll hear more soon. All speculation of course...

 

BA Gubna released in stovepipe cans this week seems to point to the same conclusions.

 

...it was available on tap earlier this year. crowlers were an option.

 

Was told by an employee at the BA 10.50 Java release that's exactly what they're doing. It was also said they are collaborating with the Goose Island brewers / barrel-aging program.

 

4) OB is sold to AB in about five years.

 

HAHA do you know what FIDY means?

 

...you're so right. they'll just walk away from AB's beaucoup bucks.

 

Lemme borrow that crystal ball, sorcerer.

 

Maybe the crystal ball is right...

And what if others — including a conglomerate like an Anheuser-Busch InBev or SABMiller or ABInBevSABMillerCoors — came calling?
“As the industry grows and gets more attention from the outside, I think we’ll continue to look at them and give them the sniff test,” he said. “Even the decision with Fireman, it wasn’t done unilaterally … we included the staff (and conducted) meetings and engagements. I wanted to make sure it felt and smelled right to the people. It was unanimous that it was a great fit. We would do the same if another opportunity came down the road.”

 

I can't believe anyone thinks there's a brewery that's immune from considering a buyout...because there isn't. It's a business, and people are in it to make money when the time is right. Everyone begins with passion, but eventually it's just an asset, plain and simple.

And FIDY? It's called a marketing plan...obviously it's working.

 

Except when the brewery is employee owned. That acquisition can be a lot more difficult.

 

I don't think the passion and the business are mutually exclusive. Some of these guys are just as passionate about beer as they are growing their business and both accentuate the other. More money, more space, resources etc.

 

True; however, breweries governed by ESOPs aren't entirely immune to buyout...but yes, much tougher.

Also - has OB's even announced whether the investment was a minority or majority share?

AND...just hit newsstands...you were saying?!

http://www.9news.com/story/money/business/2015/12/18/new-belgium-brewing-explores-sale/77571952/

 

i posted this article in another thread, but it touches on why OB went the private equity route and is pretty revealing with regard to the founder's mentality:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-oskar-blues-chose-craft-beer-over-1-billion-2015-11-20

 

I remember reading somewhere that the investment was under 25% of ownership so Oskar Blues could still maintain their Independent Craft Brewer status from the Brewers Association.

I was aware of the news before my post. Exploring buyout options and making it actually happen are two entirely different things. Time will tell but an ESOP will definitely make it a more difficult acquisition compared to a single proprietor handing over the deed to his brewery.

 

If Lagunitas can sell out (after all their schtick), anyone can. I don't fault 'em either. #YOLO #DOLLADOLLABILLZYALL