Hollywood stars buy Welsh brewery

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have bought the Wrexham Lager Beer Co in north-east Wales. The firm is the oldest operational lager brewery in Great Britain and has been brewing in Wales since 1882. The pair have bought the business through Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by The R.R. McReynolds Company, majority owner of Wrexham AFC, and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York. Red Dragon Ventures was created to drive growth in the Wrexham community and Wrexham AFC. This deal represents another landmark deal for the Welsh town and will considerably scale up Wrexham Lager’s infrastructure and international production, distribution and marketing efforts. “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC we have learned a lot,” said Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. “The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer – especially after finance meetings. Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we are excited to help write its next chapter.” “This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world,” said James Wright, chief executive of the Wrexham Lager Beer Co. “So, to have Rob and Ryan on board as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.” The Roberts family, who have owned and operated the brewery since 2011, will maintain an active role in the business. Photo by Canadian Press/Shutterstock (14606866e)