Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the brewing industry are still very active, but tend to have a negative connotation, driven largely by the assumption it’s always big beer purchasing craft beer, and erasing that brewery’s independence. But there is a lot of positive momentum and opportunity than can come from M&A of craft brands by or with other craft brands, and independent brewery groups with multiple companies in their circuit are certainly a viable option for growing companies looking for improved economies of scale, sales growth that’s not harshly organic, distribution network benefits, and freight support. Whether you are looking to sell your brewery, or seeking to acquire another, there are best practices that you should keep in mind. This seminar will familiarize attendees with considerations of any business transaction, and specifically speak to the how and the why behind indie beer M&A.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basic process of a business sale or acquisition Explain the role of advisors in a transaction Identify potential red flags to watch out for through the process Learn keys to maximizing the sale price of your company Understand what a strategic partnership can look like for multiple indie craft beer brands, versus always seeing M&
• A as a "sellout to big beer"