According to the San Fransico Cronicle, the Griffin Group's acquisition of the Anchor Steam Brewing Company is official. See original press release below.
(San Francisco, CA) – April 27, 2010 – The Griffin Group, an investment and
consulting company focused on beverage alcohol brands, announced its acquisition of
Anchor Brewing Company which includes its portfolio of craft beers and artisan spirits,
including the award winning Anchor Steam Beer.
The Griffin Group is led by beverage alcohol veterans, Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio,
two longtime San Francisco residents who have been working with Anchor Brewing
Company’s owner, Fritz Maytag to maintain the iconic brewery and distillery in San
Francisco.
“Anchor Brewing Company has a long history in San Francisco and The Griffin Group is
ushering in an exciting era while maintaining our proud, time-honored history,” said Fritz
Maytag. “Combining Keith and Tony’s passion for the Anchor Brewing Company, their
industry experience and expertise only means that Anchor will be enjoyed in San
Francisco for generations to come.”
“Since 1896, Anchor Brewing Company has been an icon of San Francisco’s history and
culture,” stated Griffin’s Founding Partner, Keith Greggor, “I am honored to bring Anchor
Brewing Company into our family of craft beers and artisanal spirits through establishing
Anchor Brewers & Distillers, LLC.”
Anchor Brewers & Distillers intends to establish a “Center of Excellence” in San
Francisco for craft brewers and artisan distillers from around the world. An epicenter of
development, education, entertainment and innovation, all designed to further contribute
to the culture and heritage of craft beer and artisan spirits.
“San Francisco is the perfect place to establish this center,” stated Tony Foglio,
“Through our extensive portfolio of craft beers and fine spirits our focus will be to
educate and satisfy the increasing consumer demand for authentic, quality and natural
products that reflect the passion of their creators.”
Continuing the Anchor heritage, Mr. Maytag has been named Chairman Emeritus of
Anchor Brewers & Distillers.
The Griffin Group operates as both boutique merchant and investment bank for premiere
craft beers and artisan spirits. In addition to the Anchor Beers, The Griffin Group will
assume control of the spirits brands including Old Potrero Whiskey, Junipero Gin and
Genevieve Gin through the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company. Additional affiliated
companies to be held under Anchor Brewers & Distillers include Preiss Imports, a
leading US specialist spirits and beer importer, and BrewDog USA, LLC, the US division
of the leading UK craft beer.
The Griffin Group is headquartered in Novato, Marin County, California.