San Francisco-based firm that pioneered craft beers open to buyout

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Anchor Brewing is open to a purchase offer from its employees but warned that time is running out as the 127-year-old craft beer pioneer prepares to close its operations, the San Francisco-based company said in a statement over the weekend.
Spokesman Sam Singer confirmed on Saturday that Anchor Brewing Company received an email from the Anchor union representative saying workers are making an attempt to buy the brewery. The effort is being made on behalf of a group of workers and not on behalf of the union itself.
He said the company would “happily consider” an offer if it had “a demonstrable source of funding.” However, Singer warned that time was running out and the company would proceed with liquidation in early August.
Interested workers said on social media on Saturday that things are moving quickly and promised more information as soon as it becomes available.
“Overwhelmed by the responses to help. “We are working behind the scenes to find the best possible way to raise funds and actually execute it,” the group said.
Anchor Brewing, which was sold to Japanese brewer Sapporo Holdings in 2017, stunned beer lovers when it announced earlier this month it would be discontinuing the brand due to declining sales and tough economic conditions.
Two dozen investors and individuals have expressed interest in acquiring all or part of the brewery, Singer told the San Francisco Chronicle last week. He said any sale decision will be made by the liquidators.