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Half Acre and Maplewood to Merge Into Unified Chicago Beverage Company

Executives cast the deal as a scale play to reduce costs via shared production, logistics, and purchasing.

Overview

  • The breweries announced on March 10 that they plan to combine under a yet-to-be-named parent, with closing targeted in the coming weeks.
  • Kevin McGillen, currently Half Acre’s president and COO, is slated to become CEO of the combined company.
  • Both Half Acre and Maplewood will retain their identities and operate independently in the market under the new structure.
  • Leaders cite efficiencies from centralized operations and bulk buying, with Half Acre’s Balmoral facility positioned to absorb Maplewood production that is now largely contracted.
  • The unified portfolio will span beer, spirits, THC beverages, non-alcoholic drinks, and taproom and restaurant businesses as the companies navigate a crowded craft-beer landscape.