The Griffin Group, Novato, Calif., an investment and consulting company focused on beverage alcohol brands, acquired Anchor Brewing Co., San Francisco, which includes its portfolio of craft beers and artisan spirits, including Anchor Steam Beer. Anchor Brewing Co.’s name, in turn, will be changed to Anchor Brewers & Distillers.

 

The Griffin Group is led by beverage alcohol veterans, Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio, two who have been working with Anchor Brewing Co.'s Owner Fritz Maytag to maintain the brewery and distillery in San Francisco. Maytag has been named chairman emeritus of Anchor Brewers & Distillers.

 

"Anchor Brewing Co. has a long history in San Francisco and The Griffin Group is ushering in an exciting era while maintaining our proud, time-honored history," said Fritz Maytag, in a statement. "Combining Keith and Tony's passion for the Anchor Brewing Co., their industry experience and expertise only means that Anchor will be enjoyed in San Francisco for generations to come."

 

"Since 1896, Anchor Brewing Co. has been an icon of San Francisco's history and culture," said Griffin's Founding Partner Greggor, in a statement. "I am honored to bring Anchor Brewing Co. into our family of craft beers and artisanal spirits through establishing Anchor Brewers & Distillers LLC."

 

Anchor Brewers & Distillers intends to establish a "Center of Excellence" — an epicenter of development, education, entertainment and innovation designed to further contribute to the culture and heritage of craft beer and artisan spirits — in San Francisco for craft brewers and artisan distillers from around the world, the company said. 

 

"San Francisco is the perfect place to establish this center," Foglio said, in a statement. "Through our extensive portfolio of craft beers and fine spirits our focus will be to educate and satisfy the increasing consumer demand for authentic, quality and natural products that reflect the passion of their creators."  

 

The Griffin Group operates as both boutique merchant and investment bank for premiere craft beers and artisan spirits. In addition to the Anchor beers, The Griffin Group will assume control of the spirits brands including Old Potrero Whiskey, Junipero Gin and Genevieve Gin through the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Co. Additional affiliated companies to be held under Anchor Brewers & Distillers include Preiss Imports, a leading U.S. specialist spirits and beer importer, and BrewDog USA LLC, the U.S. division of a leading United Kingdom craft beer.