One of BrewDog's Edinburgh Airport locations

The Ellon-based brewer, famous for brands like Punk IPA, has reportedly set a tight deadline for offers as advisors begin gauging interest from potential bidders. This development follows the recent indefinite closure of the company’s Aberdeenshire distillery and persistent rumours that co-founder James Watt may be plotting a bid to reclaim the business he helped establish in 2007, Sky News reports.

The potential sale marks a sobering turn for Brewdog’s 220,000 “Equity for Punks” shareholders. After raising approximately £75 million through various crowdfunding rounds since 2009, these individual investors now face the prospect of minimal returns on their capital.

While a 2017 investment from TSG Consumer Partners once hinted at a “unicorn” valuation of $1 billion, insiders suggest the company is now worth significantly less than its previous £2bn peak. The business has been hampered by five consecutive years of pre-tax losses totalling £148m, leading to the closure of several UK bars and recent staff redundancies.

Despite these financial headwinds, Brewdog maintains a 4% share of the UK off-trade grocery market and operates 72 bars globally. The restructuring process could see its four international breweries in Scotland, the US, Germany, and Australia sold off individually.

A company spokesperson described the appointment of AlixPartners as a disciplined step to ensure long-term sustainability following a year of rigorous cost-cutting. While the firm remains confident that it will attract substantial interest, it emphasised that no final decisions have been made and all venues continue to operate as normal.