It’s being reported that founder and former chief executive of BrewDog, James Watt, is looking to be part of a rescue bid for the company.
Mark Kleinman, city editor at Sky News, says Watt wants to put £10 million of his own money into the package.
Alix Partners were called in just a week ago to analyse the best way forward for the future of the Scotland-based brewer and bar owner. Already, an initial round of bids have been made.
The news of Watt’s interest comes just hours before a deadline for a second round of offers.
“Following a year of decisive action in 2025, which saw a focus on costs and operating efficiencies, we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment for the business,” said BrewDog in a statement last week.
“This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the Brewdog brand and its operations.”
The company made job cuts last year after posting a £37m loss.
“Mr Watt is said to be keen to acquire the group in its entirety, although the precise shape of a deal remains unclear this weekend,” said Kleinman in a Sky blog.
“Any deal is likely to prove controversial given that many of the roughly 220,000 individual shareholders, who became investors through its Equity for Punks scheme, face being left with little or no return from their average outlay of about £400.
Nick Stockley, partner at law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “This appears to be an attempt to prevent BrewDog from going into formal administration. “If BrewDog does go into administration, then Mr Watt will lose any control that he has regarding the company’s future.
“BrewDog’s brands and products would be sold off to the highest bidder, which would likely be either one or some of the other brewers. In ‘buying the company, the presumption is that Mr Watt will be buying all its shares. In doing that, Mr Watt can provide some return to shareholders, whereas if BrewDog goes into administration the shareholders will lose all their investment.
“There is no obligation on Mr Watt to use his own funds to bail out his business, but the alternative option will result in both unpaid creditors, job losses, and shareholder investment lost. Therefore, even if this is a temporary stay of execution, Mr Watt is trying to act as a white knight to his own business.
“Mr Watt’s proposal also offers BrewDog the chance to continue its general restructure. However, the medium and long term future of BrewDog remains at risk.”
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