AMSTERDAM and CHICAGO -- Nearly two years after partnering with Lagunitas Brewing Co., Heineken N.V. has acquired all the remaining shares in the Chicago craft brewer. To maintain the Lagunitas culture and free spirit, the craft-beer company will continue to operate as an independent entity within Heineken.
Tony Magee, the founder of Lagunitas, will remain active as executive chairman of the company, Heineken said. He will be supported by his current management team. In addition, Magee will take a leading advisory role to Heineken and its executive team on its global and local craft strategy.
"During the 19 months of our partnership, we have come to trust and truly believe in each other," Magee said. "Through that we have found ourselves aligned on how to bring the vibe of U.S. craft-brewing to beer lovers everywhere. Only by fully committing to this relationship can we both respond to the historic opportunity that awaits us in all 24 time zones."
Heineken has enjoyed a successful partnership with Lagunitas since 2015, when it acquired a 50% stake in the company. Since then, Lagunitas has continued to outperform the U.S. beer market, where craft beer now represents about 11% of total volume.
Heineken has helped to expand Lagunitas' international presence, including entry into new markets such as France, Mexico, Italy and Spain, and extended the brand's availability in markets including the U.K., Canada, Netherlands, Sweden and Japan. Following this transaction, Heineken will accelerate the export of Lagunitas to many more markets around the world.
"Our partnership with Lagunitas has been a great success, and today's announcement marks the next stage of an exciting journey," said Jean-François van Boxmeer, chairman of the executive board and CEO for Heineken. "We look forward to accelerating the rollout of the Lagunitas brand to many more markets and sharing Lagunitas craft beer with many more consumers around the world."
The transaction is effective immediately. Financial terms are not disclosed.
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