Goose Island Brewery Acquired by Anheuser-Busch

March 2011

Goose Island announced on the morning of 28th March, 2011, that it has agreed to be acquired by Anheuser-Busch.

In a joint statement, the deal “will bring additional capital into Goose Island's operations to meet growing consumer demand for its brands and deepen its Chicago and Midwest distribution.”

The goal in seeking new capital was to provide more brewing capacity for Goose Island so that they can keep up with demand while making room for the experimental beers which have had seen small production volumes over the past year because of limitation in capacity.

Anheuser-Busch have confirmed they are committed to providing the resources that Goose Island need.

John Hall, founder of Goose Island, will continue as CEO and will continue to be responsible for its beer production and expansion of the Fulton Street brewery in Chicago, where production will continue and its business will still be based.

In a message on the Goose Island website, John explains, “I am very proud of Goose Island's contribution to this craft beer movement, of the many awards won by our brewers, our growing number of employees, our support of the communities and life of Chicago, and the friendship of so many beer lovers in Chicago and elsewhere.”

John explains the agreement will “provide us with the best resources available to continue along our path of growth and innovation” and that Goose Island shall “continue to brew our authentic classic styles, develop new amazing beers, and serve our drinkers.”

In 2010, Goose Island sold approximately 127,000 barrels of Honkers Ale, 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Matilda and its other brands. To help meet immediate demand, an additional $1.3 million will be invested by Anheuser-Busch to increase production at the Fulton Street Brewery as early as this summer.

“Our goal in seeking new capital was to provide more brewing capacity so that we can keep up with demand while making room for the specialty beers that we have had to severely curtail over the past year because of limitation in capacity.” adds Tony Bowker at Goose Island.

Anheuser-Busch have acquired an American brewer of high acclaim: we thereby feel they recognise the potential within this market and appreciating that genuine craft beer brands cannot just be 'invented' by a large multinational organisation.

James Clay are proud to have been a part of Goose Island's growth and development over the years. We urge Anheuser-Busch to respect the culture of experimentation and innovation that has made Goose Island the world renowned brewer it is today.

James Clay will continue to work with Goose Island in the UK but will monitor the impact of Anheuser-Busch closely.

James Clay are proud to serve beers from the world’s greatest brewers and are looking to source additional quality craft beers from the USA to add to our portfolio.