Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Expand Their Wrexham Empire with Brewery Acquisition
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, known for their ownership of Welsh football club Wrexham AFC and their hit documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, are continuing their ambitious expansion in North Wales. The duo recently announced a strategic partnership involving both selling a minority stake in the club and acquiring a historic local brewery.
Reynolds and McElhenney are selling a portion of their ownership stake to the Allyn family, a prominent investment group from upstate New York. The Allyn family, known for their successful history in building businesses and fostering community growth, will become minority owners of Wrexham AFC. Furthermore, they will join Reynolds and McElhenney in forming Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture aimed at acquiring Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd.
“Wrexham has earned the world’s attention, and we are focused on bringing on board world-class partners to help with the next phase of our growth,” said Reynolds and McElhenney in a joint statement. “We have been fortunate to get to know the Allyn family and we are blown away by their intelligence, kindness and commitment. They are exactly the type of partners we will need for this amazing endeavor.”
Eric Allyn, manager and chief investment officer of the Allyn’s Family Office, echoed these sentiments, stating, “For more than a century, our family has focused on building great companies, while also uplifting wonderful communities. Our decades-long efforts in the Syracuse region are similar to what Rob and Ryan have started in Wrexham. We view Red Dragon Ventures as a vehicle to invest in a world-class football club, and, importantly, in the welcoming community of Wrexham.”
Wrexham Lager, founded in 1882, boasts the distinction of being the oldest lager brewery still operating in the UK. Its history dates back centuries, even reaching the legendary Titanic, where the beer was served. Last year, Reynolds spearheaded an expedition to the Titanic wreckage in a quest to recover a few bottles of the historic brew.
With its rich history and potential, Wrexham Lager will embark on a journey to expand its reach into the U.S. and Canada. Reynolds and McElhenney expressed excitement for this new chapter, stating, “As Co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot. The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides 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’re excited to help write its next chapter.”
This strategic move showcases Reynolds and McElhenney’s commitment to strengthening their connection with the community of Wrexham. Combining their passion for football with their newfound venture in the brewing industry, the dynamic duo continues to solidify their legacy in Wales. Stay tuned for updates on the exciting developments unfolding at Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager!