James Watt, co-founder and former CEO of Aberdeenshire craft beer firm BrewDog, said in a social media post on Wednesday his new beer company Second Best has made an “offer” to buy back BrewDog from new owner Tilray Brands.

In May, Watt said he planned to launch Second Best with free shares for “Equity Punk” investors who were wiped out in the recent bargain sale of BrewDog to Tilray Brands for £33 million.

Watt issued an “open invitation” to the “Equity Punk” investors who were left empty-handed in the sale of BrewDog to beer and cannabis firm Tilray.

“I am planning to allocate up to 19.3% of Second Best for you,” wrote Watt on LinkedIn in May. “You can claim the exact stake you once held in BrewDog, for free.”

Watt said: “No catches, no cash required, and your equity in Second Best will always rank alongside my own.

“You’ll own it. I’ll fund it. And I’ll dedicate myself to building it.

“You’re not shareholders this time. You’re Second Founders.”

On Wednesday, Watt wrote on LinkedIn: “We have formally submitted our offer to buy BrewDog.

“The offer was made by Second Best and sent to Tilray Brands.

“43,000 Equity Punks have already joined the bid.

“If we succeed, every registered punk gets their BrewDog equity back, for free.

“We’d also restore the Real Living Wage, bring back the team’s equity, and put the community back at the heart of the business.

“The punks and the crew built this company and BrewDog deserves to belong to them once more.

“Equity Punks, you backed me once. This time, I’m backing you.

‘Hopefully, we can bring BrewDog home.

“Equity Punks – if you want to be part of this bid for free register at the Second Best website.”

Tilray Brands said: “We do not comment on speculation. We’re very happy and excited about BrewDog’s business worldwide.”