Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Company, once one of the city’s most recognized locally owned businesses, is now officially under the ownership of Madrid-based Mahou Group.
The company, in a news release, said that Founders has merged with Colorado-based Avery Brewing Company to form Mahou USA, a new division of parent company Mahou Group.
It’s been a slow process over the past decade.
In December 2014, Mahou purchased a 30% stake in Founders Brewing Co. By 2019, Mahou had increased its stake to 90%.
According to Mahou USA, the merger “will allow it to compete in an ever-changing craft beer market while each company retains its character.”
Meaning, expect to see the same Founders branding and beer names.
Meanwhile, the company also now plans to bring offerings from the Madrid brewery that were previously unavailable in many parts of the U.S.