Tenth and Blake Expands Ownership Of Terrapin Beer

MillerCoors Craft and Import Division Expands Ownership of Georgian Brewing Pioneer

CHICAGO, IL  July 20, 2016  Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft and import division of MillerCoors, announced today an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Beer Company. Tenth and Blake had previously purchased a minority interest in Terrapin in early 2012.

"Bringing Tenth & Blake on years ago allowed us to get to know each other better and realize the incredible potential of becoming a majority-owned partner with Tenth and Blake & MillerCoors," said Brian "Spike" Buckowski, Terrapin Beer Company co-founder & vice president of brewing development. "With Tenth and Blake’s dedication to helping us grow and their passion for creating high-quality craft beers, we knew it would be the perfect partnership. We look forward to continuing to create innovative beers to share with beer lovers nationwide." 

Terrapin founders Buckowski and John Cochran set out in 2002 to craft beers unlike any that were available in the Southeast at the time, choosing Athens as home base because of its distinctive culture and shared appreciation for music. The 84,000-square-foot brewery and 100-barrel brew house creates year-round and seasonal beers including Hopsecutioner, HI-5, RecreationAle, and Rye Pale Ale.

Terrapin Beer Company will operate as a business unit of Tenth and Blake. Terrapin’s management and team will continue to create, brew, package, ship and sell Terrapin’s acclaimed portfolio of brands.

"The team at Terrapin is so passionate and committed to brewing such terrific beers that we are thrilled to welcome them deeper into the Tenth and Blake family," said Scott Whitley, president and CEO of Tenth & Blake. "As owners, our job is to work collaboratively with their team to support their continued success with their innovative, award-winning beers that complement our portfolio perfectly."

Terrapin Beer Company joins other leading crafts in the Tenth and Blake portfolio, including Blue Moon Brewing Company, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Saint Archer Brewing Company. For more information on Terrapin Beer Company and its portfolio of brands, visit TerrapinBeer.com.

The transaction is expected to complete in August 2016. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. First Beverage Group acted as financial advisor to Terrapin, and Spencer Fane LLP provided legal counsel. King & Spalding LLP provided legal counsel to MillerCoors.