Great Divide Acquired by Wilding Brands in Strategic Move
Deal News | Apr 04, 2025 | EIN
Recent developments in Denver's craft beer scene have seen significant mergers and business strategy shifts among prominent breweries. Wilding Brands, a consortium formed through a merger of Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Company, and Funkwerks, has announced the acquisition of Great Divide Brewing Company, a storied name in Denver's craft beer industry. The acquisition will see Great Divide's production move to the Denver Beer Company Canworks facility while maintaining its prominent locations across Denver. Wilding aims to honor Great Divide's legacy while providing resources for growth. In another major consolidation, Dry Dock Brewing and Left Hand Brewing have merged, with Dry Dock's operations transitioning to Left Hand's facility in Longmont. This merger is characterized by a focus on community ownership and collaboration, exemplified by Left Hand's existing ESOP and recent crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, Denver’s boutique brewery, Backacre Beermakers, is set to cease operations, citing personal reasons for the decision. These moves reflect a dynamic period of restructuring within Denver's vibrant craft beer industry, aiming to bolster collaboration and market reach while preserving the rich history and craftsmanship associated with these brands.
Sectors
- Craft Beer Industry
- Beverage Industry
Geography
- United States – The events and entities discussed in the article are primarily located within the United States, specifically involving the craft beer industry centered in Denver, Colorado.
- Colorado – Colorado is the focal point of the article as it hosts the breweries involved in the transactions, which are key players in the state's renowned craft beer scene.
Industry
- Craft Beer Industry – The article discusses significant mergers and business strategies involving craft breweries in Denver, highlighting the vibrant activity and consolidation within the craft beer market.
- Beverage Industry – This industry classification is relevant because it encompasses the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages, which are central themes in the article.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Divide Brewing Company | Target | Company | Denver's oldest and largest packaging brewery acquired by Wilding Brands. |
| Wilding Brands | Bidding Company | Company | A company formed by a merger of Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Company, and Funkwerks, acquiring Great Divide Brewing. |
| Stem Ciders | Other | Company | Part of the consortium forming Wilding Brands. |
| Denver Beer Company | Other | Company | Part of the consortium forming Wilding Brands and providing the production facility. |
| Funkwerks | Other | Company | Part of the consortium forming Wilding Brands. |
| Dry Dock Brewing | Target | Company | Merged with Left Hand Brewing. |
| Left Hand Brewing Company | Bidding Company | Company | Merged with Dry Dock Brewing, with operations transitioning to its facility. |
| Indian Peaks Brewing Company | Other | Company | Parent company of Left Hand Brewing. |
| Backacre Beermakers | Other | Company | A boutique brewery in Denver that announced its closure. |