The brewer, which was founded in 1896, was set to disappear altogether in July last year when owner Sapporo Holdings failed to find a buyer. A divestment was sought due to “a combination of challenging economic factors and declining sales since 2016”, Anchor said at the time.
However, Turkish businessman Ulukaya confirmed last week that he has bought the company through his family business, Shepherd Futures. The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, will see Anchor’s namesake portfolio join the Chobani Greek yogurt brand on Ulukaya’s asset sheet.
I am honored to work with the people of San Francisco to bring @AnchorBrewing, this dream, back to life. pic.twitter.com/xquA6bGjsk
— Hamdi Ulukaya (@hamdiulukaya) May 31, 2024
The past month has seen a flurry of activity among Japanese brewers in the US: Last week, Sapporo lined up the domestic production of its namesake beer brand following an investment in its Stone Brewing division in San Diego, while Suntory Holdings was linked to a move for The Boston Beer Co on the east coast – a claim that Suntory was moved to formally deny over the weekend.
