Brewdog co-founder James Watt launches bid to buy back beer firm
Brewdog co-founder James Watt has launched a bid to buy back the craft beer company following its collapse and subsequent acquisition by Tilray. Watt has promised to restore shares to former 'Equity for Punks' investors if his takeover bid succeeds.
Why it matters
The move addresses the financial losses of thousands of small-scale investors who saw their shares become worthless during the company's debt crisis.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, James Watt stood down as Brewdog chief executive in 2024
Brewdog co-founder James Watt says he has made an offer to buy back the craft beer business months after it was sold to a US company.
At its peak, Brewdog had four breweries, about 100 pubs worldwide and was said to be worth more than $1bn.
However, it was bought over by beverage and medical cannabis company Tilray earlier this year after collapsing with debts of more than £500m, leading to hundreds of job losses .
Watt - who co‑founded the firm with Martin Dickie in Aberdeenshire almost 20 years ago - said investors in Brewdog's "Equity for Punks" scheme would receive shares "for free" if his takeover bid was successful.
I invested £12,000 in Brewdog - I think I've lost it all
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