‘BrewDog sale plan leaves ‘Equity Punk’ investors steaming ‘
The biggest story in craft beer recently is the one nobody can ignore: BrewDog has officially put itself up for sale, and the fallout is hitting the people who believed in the brand the most - the 220,000 Equity Punks.
According to The Guardian, many small investors now fear they’ll walk away with nothing, while private equity partner TSG, which bought in back in 2017, could walk away with a significant payout. The mood of BrewDog’s own investor forum is somewhere between betrayed and boiling point.
There is a cascade of Headlines, and the sale isn’t a standalone event, it’s the culmination of years of turbulence.
The BBC confirms BrewDog has called in AlixPartners to find new investors, with the possibility of a full sale or breakup.
Food Manufacture reports that BrewDog has been put up for sale amid mounting financial pressure, following multiple years of losses.
The Drinks Business highlights that BrewDog could be sold off in parts, with bars, breweries, and brands potentially going to different buyers.
The Guardian’s related coverage shows a pattern:
- Losses doubled to £59m in the final year under cofounder James Watt
- 10 bar closures during an “extremely difficult” period
- Staff backlash after dropping the real living wage pledge
Toxic culture allegations and a BBC documentary suggest:
-
Financial pressure has been building for years - Five consecutive years of losses, falling sales, and a shrinking valuation.
- Leadership instability - James Watt stepped down in 2024, and cofounder Martin Dickie left in 2025.
- Reputation damage - Toxic culture allegations, wage controversies, and PR misfires have eroded trust.
- Equity Punks left exposed - Crowdfunding investors who poured in £75m across seven rounds may now see zero return.
-
A breakup is a real possibility - Multiple outlets report that BrewDog may be sold in pieces — bars, breweries, brands.
Check out the numerous articles yourself to make up your own mind.
BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale | BrewDog | The Guardian
Scottish craft beer brand Brewdog put up for sale - BBC News
Brewdog has called in advisers to secure a buyer after a troubled 2025.
Brewdog’s ‘Equity for Punks’ investors prepare to lose out
Cutting through all the noise. Our take is that BrewDog didn’t just grow — it exploded, and the industry (Premier Hop included) rode the wave with them. But the last few years have shown what happens when a brand scales faster than its culture, its finances, and its values can support.
For independent craft breweries, this moment is a reminder of what truly matters:
- Authenticity beats theatrics
- Community beats crowdfunding gimmicks
- Consistency beats chaos
- Craft beats corporate posturing
For drinkers? It’s a chance to rediscover the breweries who still put flavour, creativity, and integrity first. At Premier Hop, that’s exactly who we champion.
While BrewDog navigates private equity maths, we will continue pouring the good stuff from breweries who still brew with heart and continue to deliver exceptional craft beer to your door.