Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney become brewery co-owners
The acquisition was made by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by The R.R. McReynolds Company – majority owner of Wrexham AFC – and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York, which has recently become minority investors of the football club.
Reynolds and McElhenney said: “As co-chairman of Wrexham AFC we have learned a lot. The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides rule and the occasional need for beer – especially after finance meetings.
“Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”
Growth plans
The Roberts family have owned and operated the business since 2011. They will maintain an active role within the company.
Meanwhile, recently appointed CEO James Wright, who has already seen the business growth domestically and overseas, will continue to lead the business.
In May, he told The Morning Advertiser, Wrexham Lager had already expanded in the off-trade across Europe and planned for growth further afield.
The brand was founded in 1882 and uses the finest Welsh water alongside carefully selected ingredients in a recipe that is more than 140 years old to produce its award-winning lagers.
Great heritage
On the latest announcement, Wright said: “This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world.
“To have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”
Beers made by the business include the 4% ABV Wrexham Lager, 5% ABV Wrexham Lager Export and the recently introduced 4.6% ABV Pilsner.
