Lagunitas Purchases Stake in Short's Brewing Co.

Short's has announced that Lagunitas U.S. Holdings, or LUSH, has purchased a 19.99% equity stake in the company. LUSH also owns stakes in Austin, TX's Independence Brewing Co., Santa Rosa CA's Moonlight Brewing Co. and Charleston's Southend Brewery and Smokehouse, which has since been rebranded as a Lagunitas brewpub.

The move highlights a clear strategy based on geographic location - a brewery in each cardinal direction -- and North of Lagunitas and LUSH is Heineken, which has owned a majority stake in Lagunitas since May of this year.

Short's has stated that it will maintain its independence, but the move should at least give the company the same access to distribution channels that Heineken offers Lagunitas. Whether the purchase is ultimately more an acquisition by Heineken, rather than Lagunitas, remains to be seen.

Elk Rapids, Mich. – Short’s Brewing Company of Bellaire and Elk Rapids, MI announces plans to partner with The Lagunitas Brewing Company based in Petaluma, CA, America’s ninth largest brewery.  

The partnership stems from Short’s desire to successfully navigate the ever-evolving craft market while maintaining its creatively fearless identity. Lagunitas’ 19.99% equity stake in Short’s will be managed by Lagunitas U.S. Holdings — or LUSH. The founding principle of LUSH is to build relationships with, and support, regional breweries. In keeping with this, Short's will maintain their individual brand image while gaining additional resources for continued opportunity to invest in Short’s staff, the Northern Michigan community, and opportunities to push the boundaries of creativity.

Joe Short stated, ”I never imagined Short’s would become such a successful regional brewery. The secret to that success has always been to surround myself with good people. The best people; who in many ways are smarter and more talented than myself. I'm confident all successful businesses would tell you a similar story. This partnership with Lagunitas is just another part of evolution in the cycle of our dynamic and growing business. I've grown so much personally and professionally during my time at the helm of Short’s Brewing Company that I understand now, more than ever - the continued success of Short’s and its people rely on me to make smart and strategic decisions. This is just one of them.”  

When asked about the partnership between Short’s and Lagunitas, Lagunitas’ founder, Tony Magee, stated, “Having Joe and Scott and all their talented people joining up with the LUSH group is mostly cool but also kinda weird. Have you met those guys? I thought Bellaire was in Canada…”

The craft brewing community has always focused on relationships, and Short’s is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the LUSH community. “Pride, passion, and love of the work will always remain paramount. I’m super excited and proud because for the first time EVER, we’ll be operating without restriction, experiencing what true independence feels like,” stated Short. “I really admire Tony. His vision and level of understanding of the industry is fascinating to me. With his ability to share Lagunitas' 24 years of experience, this partnership is going to bring some serious awesomeness to the people of Short’s.”