BrewDog Co-Founder James Watt Bids to Buy Back Craft Beer Firm
James Watt has made an offer to repurchase the beer business he co-founded, months after it was sold to a U.S. company.
BrewDog co-founder James Watt has launched a bid to buy back the craft beer business he helped establish. The offer comes several months after the company was sold to an American firm. Watt recently issued an apology to staff and investors, acknowledging what he termed "many mistakes" in the company's management, including attempting to diversify too rapidly.
BrewDog's aggressive marketing tactics have frequently drawn controversy. The company has also faced criticism regarding its treatment of investors and staff. In 2022, a BBC Disclosure investigation brought forward allegations of inappropriate behavior by Watt toward female employees, alongside claims that BrewDog had violated import laws and fabricated marketing narratives. In 2024, the company faced public backlash after it announced it would no longer hire new employees at the real living wage, opting instead for the lower legal minimum wage.
Watt has denied the allegations made in the BBC program and had previously threatened legal action. He later stated that he sometimes missed social cues due to having autism. A complaint filed with the broadcasting regulator Ofcom was ultimately rejected. Following the broadcast of the investigation, BrewDog stated it was implementing measures to improve its workplace culture.
Requests for comment on Watt's current offer have been sent to Tilray and Second Best, the companies involved in the recent sale.