Scottish craft beer brand Brewdog put up for sale

Scottish craft beer giant Brewdog could be sold off after bosses called in financial experts to look for new investors.

Consultants AlixPartners have been brought in to oversee the sales process which could lead to the businesses being broken up.

Brewdog, which was founded by friends James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007, has breweries and pubs around the globe, including about 60 in the the UK.

The company said it had taken the decision after "operating in a challenging economic climate" in order to focus on the "long-term strength and sustainably" of the company.

A spokesperson for Brewdog said: "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.

"This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the Brewdog brand and its operations."

The spokesperson added they expect to attract "substantial interest" and breweries and bars will continue to operate as normal.

AlixPartners refused to comment on the sales process.

In an email to staff, which has been seen by BBC Scotland News, Brewdog said: "AlixPartners are specialists in business performance and transformation, and they will work alongside the leadership team in the coming weeks to evaluate options and make recommendations, including assessing the next phase of investment in the business.

"It is important to stress this is a normal and prudent step, and no decisions have been made. This does not change our day-to-day operations, our roles or our immediate plans. Our bars and breweries continue to operate as normal, and our focus remains on brewing world-class beer, serving our customers brilliantly and supporting our teams."

Last month, the company halted production of gin and vodka brands at its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, in order to "sharpen" the businesses focus.

Brewdog announced job cuts across the business in October last year after posting a £37m loss.

Earlier in the year it announced the closure of 10 bars across the UK, including its flagship pub in Aberdeen.

The company currently employs around 1,400 people and has breweries in Ellon as well as in the US, Australia and Germany.

In recent years it has made headlines for its marketing campaigns and workplace culture.

In 2024, the firm faced a backlash after revealing it would no longer hire new staff on the real living wage, instead paying the lower legal minimum wage.

Watt later stood down as chief executive officer and moved to a newly-created position of "captain and co-founder".

Dickie left the company last year, saying that he took the decision for personal reasons.