US: Heineken buys 50% stake in U.S. craft beer maker Lagunitas | Progresiv
Dutch brewing company Heineken NV has bought a 50% stake in U.S.-based beer maker Lagunitas Brewing Co to expand into the craft beer industry. Lagunitas, whose brands include the popular India pale ale Lagunitas IPA and pale wheat ale Little Sumpin' Sumpin', is one of the best-known and fastest-growing craft beer makers in the United States. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 
Dealmaking in the craft brewing sector has increased as companies seek to capture the frothy valuations that have accompanied the industry's boom.
In 2014, barrel volumes in the 19.6 billion dollars craft beer industry rose 18 percent, according to the Brewers Association. By comparison, Lagunitas' barrel volumes jumped 50 percent in the same year.
Heineken said Lagunitas will continue to be led by Tony Magee, its founder and executive chairman, and operate as an independent entity. (www.reuters.com)
