BrewDog says bigger firms want to buy it

Ellon, Aberdeenshire-based craft beer company BrewDog has said bigger companies are interested in buying the Scottish firm but that BrewDog “is not for sale.”

BrewDog co-founder James Watt tweeted: “Bigger companies want to buy BrewDog. Go away silly big companies. BrewDog is not for sale. Especially not to you.”

BrewDog reported an “epic” year in 2014 as its turnover hit almost £30 million. The maker of Punk IPA saw profits rise about 69% to £4.9 million.

The independent firm last year launched Britain’s biggest crowdfunding project — it is attempting to raise up to £25 million from enthusiasts via its latest “Equity for Punks” scheme.

On Friday, BrewDog said the latest crowd funding effort has so far raised £13.5 million.

“Equity for Punks is our new generation of business model which gives the people who love our beers the chance to own part of our company,” said BrewDog.

“From the day (and night) of the first brew of Punk IPA in our original Fraserburgh home to where we are today, none of it would be possible without the support of the tens of thousands of people who are now integral to the running of our company; our shareholders.

“Their continued belief in our business, our people and our beer keeps us going.”