Bigalora Owners May Take the Leap Into Craft Beer With Arbor Brewing Company Buyout

Ann Arbor craft brewery Arbor Brewing Company could be headed towards a buyout. The owners of metro Detroit-based pizza chain Bigalora are in talks to purchase the craft brewery, Metro Times reports. It’s not clear whether Arbor Brewing intends to sell the entire company or a lesser stake.

Reached by Eater, representatives for Bigalora’s ownership declined to comment on the deal. However, details are expected to be finalized by the end of the week.

Founded in 1995, Arbor Brewing Company operates two brewpubs in Southeast Michigan: ABC BrewPub in Ann Arbor and ABC Microbrewery in Ypsilanti. The company also has a licensing, royalty, and consulting agreement with an Arbor Brewing location in Bangalore, India, though that location does not appear to be included in the deal.

It’s unclear what prompted Arbor Brewing Company to explore a sale. In the past the company has been accused of sketchy business practices and failing to pay back investors. At the time, founders Rene and Matt Greff fired back against the accusations, claiming that the brewpubs had failed to break turn a profit. Stay tuned for updates.

• Sources: Bigalora's Owners to Buy Arbor Brewing Company [MT]

• Arbor Brewing Co. Staff Accuse Owners of Sketchy Crowdfunding Practices [ED]

• All Mergers & Acquisitions Coverage [ED]

• All Beer Here Coverage [ED]