US beverage and medical cannabis company Tilray has bought craft beer firm BrewDog company’s UK brewing operations, brand and 11 pubs in a £33m deal.
Tilray, which was founded in Canada but is now headquartered in New York, already owns several US craft beer brands.
BrewDog, which was founded by friends James Watt and Martin Dickie almost 20 years ago, has four breweries and about 100 pubs around the globe. It was put into administration on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Administrators said the sale had preserved 733 jobs – but that 484 jobs had been lost and 38 bars had closed after they were not included in the rescue deal.
And they said no equity holders – including those who invested in the brewer’s Equity for Punks scheme – would get any return from the deal.
Trade Union Unite’s Sharon Graham said it was was a “devastating day” for laid-off BrewDog workers, who were informed of their redundancy on a conference call with only 25 minutes notice .
“BrewDog workers built this brand. They deserved respect. Instead, they were treated as disposable pawns” she said.
Irwin D. Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tilray Brands said in a statement on 2 March 2026: ““BrewDog is one of the most iconic, mission-driven craft beer brands in the UK. It helped redefine modern craft beer through bold innovation, fearless creativity and an unwavering commitment to great beer. Our priority is to refocus BrewDog on the craft beer excellence that made it beloved in the first place and strategically invest to return the operations to profitable growth
“Tilray’s management brings operational and strategic expertise, a diversified global beverage infrastructure and a disciplined investment approach needed to unlock BrewDog’s next phase of growth” he said.
“With the BrewDog acquisition, our total global beverage platform is expected to grow US$500 million in annual revenue, creating one of the largest diversified craft beverage platforms globally.
“Through this expanded platform, we see significant growth opportunity for BrewDog through broader distribution and the ability to invest back into brand and innovation, while introducing Tilray’s complementary beverage brands into international markets. On a combined basis, we expect Tilray’s diversified global business to reach US$1.2 billion in annualized revenue.”
Founded in 2007, BrewDog quickly became one of the largest independent craft beer brands in the United Kingdom with its portfolio of iconic craft, premium and low & no alcohol beer brands, including Punk IPA, Hazy Jane, Lost Lager and Wingman.
From its beginnings in the UK, it developed its strong global brand awareness through its global expansion via international breweries, localized brewpubs and strategic partnerships.
For Tilray, the acquired asset portfolio presents a significant opportunity for growth in the UK and previously untapped international markets.
Tilray will take control of Brewdog facilities including its brewery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, and The Hop Hub, a national distribution centre in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. BrewDog’s 18 franchise bars in the UK and internationally will continue to operate.
The two firms are still negotiating for a deal on Brewdog’s assets in the United States and Australia.
Brewdog’s German arm – which includes a brewery and bar in Berlin – was not included in the sale and will be liquidated.
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