Press Release
October 11, 2018

Holland & Knight Represents Miami’s Wynwood Brewery in Sale to Craft Brew Alliance

MIAMI (Oct. 11, 2018) – Holland & Knight represented Wynwood Brewery in its sale to the Portland, Ore.-based Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. (CBA). Wynwood, which is Miami's first craft brewery, was part of a three-brewery $45 million deal CBA announced on Oct. 10. CBA also purchased North Carolina-based Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Massachusetts-based Cisco Brewers under separate purchase agreements.

CBA is a leading craft brewing company that operates breweries and brewpubs across the U.S. It previously had strategic brewing and distribution partnerships with the three brewers. Over the past several years, these partnerships have bolstered CBA's portfolio with strong local brands and breweries in key markets, complementing Kona Brewing Co. as the anchor of CBA's portfolio strategy. CBA plans to increase marketing spend and resources to fuel each brand's growth and help drive continued innovation and greater levels of support for their local communities.

CBA's strategic partnership with Wynwood began in Dec. 2016 when it made a 24.5 percent minority investment. Since then, the award-winning Wynwood has increased production of its fast-growing flagship La Rubia Blonde Ale and expanded distribution to meet demand across South Florida. During this time, the Wynwood team also invested in enhancements in its original brewery and taproom and rolled out a total portfolio redesign in celebration of its fifth anniversary.

Under CBA's agreement with Wynwood, CBA purchased the remaining 75.5 percent interest, which will become a wholly owned subsidiary of CBA. Co-founders Luis and his father "Pops" Brignoni will continue to lead Wynwood's operations autonomously.

Holland & Knight Partner Emil R. Infante and Associate Henry Roque led the firm's representation of Wynwood. They were assisted by Partner Stewart Kasner, Senior Counsel Christine Gay, and Associates Sean Tevel and Blaine Remmick.

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