Bigalora Owners Close Deal on Arbor Brewing Company, Plot Major Expansion

The rumors of an impending buyout of Michigan craft brewing pioneer Arbor Brewing Company are true. Farm + Ferment — a company that counts Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, Bacco Ristorante, Michigan Hop Alliance, Northport Farms, and Baia Estate Vineyard among its holdings — today announced the purchase of Arbor Brewing Company’s North American operations.

The 10 year agreement will put Farm + Ferment in control of both Ann Arbor’s ABC Brewpub and Ypsilanti’s ABC Microbrewery. Farm + Ferment’s partners Mike Collins, chef Luciano DelSignore, and Michael Chetcuti plan to expand the brewhouse’s capacity and develop new brewpub locations across the state, according to a release.

Arbor Brewing Company’s founders Rene and Matt Greff will retain the rights to the company’s business in India and will share brand rights with Farm + Ferment throughout the rest of the world. “This strategic partnership will allow both the Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub and Microbrewery to continue to grow and thrive in an evolving craft beer marketplace, and it will free Matt and I up to do what we love best — promote and grow the brand here and abroad,” Rene Greff says in a statement.

Mike Collins tells Crain’s his company plans to grow the Ypsilanti location’s capacity from 6,000 to 20,000 barrels and also expects to launch at least two new ABC restaurants in the Lower Peninsula. Bigalora also plans to integrate ABC brews into its beer lineup.

• Bigalora Owners May Take the Leap Into Craft Beer With Arbor Brewing Company Buyout [ED]

• Bigalora Owners Buy Arbor Brewing, to Expand Operations [Crain’s]

• All Mergers & Acquisitions Coverage [ED]

• All Beer Here Coverage [ED]