Finally got my mittens on this press release . . . old news but for posterity:

THE GRIFFIN GROUP ACQUIRES ANCHOR BREWING COMPANY AND ESTABLISHES ANCHOR BREWERS & DISTILLERS, LLC

Acquisition Continues the Legacy of a San Francisco Icon

(San Francisco, CA) – April 27, 2010 – The Griffin Group, an investment and consulting company focused on beverage alcohol brands, announced its acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company which includes its portfolio of craft beers and artisan spirits, including the award winning Anchor Steam Beer.

The Griffin Group is led by beverage alcohol veterans, Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio, two longtime San Francisco residents who have been working with Anchor Brewing Company’s owner, Fritz Maytag to maintain the iconic brewery and distillery in San Francisco.

“Anchor Brewing Company has a long history in San Francisco and The Griffin Group is ushering in an exciting era while maintaining our proud, time-honored history,” said Fritz Maytag. “Combining Keith and Tony’s passion for the Anchor Brewing Company, their industry experience and expertise only means that Anchor will be enjoyed in San Francisco for generations to come.”

“Since 1896, Anchor Brewing Company has been an icon of San Francisco’s history and culture,” stated Griffin’s Founding Partner, Keith Greggor, “I am honored to bring Anchor Brewing Company into our family of craft beers and artisanal spirits through establishing Anchor Brewers & Distillers, LLC.”

Anchor Brewers & Distillers intends to establish a “Center of Excellence” in San Francisco for craft brewers and artisan distillers from around the world. An epicenter of development, education, entertainment and innovation, all designed to further contribute to the culture and heritage of craft beer and artisan spirits.

“San Francisco is the perfect place to establish this center,” stated Tony Foglio, “Through our extensive portfolio of craft beers and fine spirits our focus will be to educate and satisfy the increasing consumer demand for authentic, quality and natural products that reflect the passion of their creators.”

Continuing the Anchor heritage, Mr. Maytag has been named Chairman Emeritus of Anchor Brewers & Distillers.

The Griffin Group operates as both boutique merchant and investment bank for premiere craft beers and artisan spirits. In addition to the Anchor Beers, The Griffin Group will assume control of the spirits brands including Old Potrero Whiskey, Junipero Gin and Genevieve Gin through the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company. Additional affiliated companies to be held under Anchor Brewers & Distillers include Preiss Imports, a leading US specialist spirits and beer importer, and BrewDog USA, LLC, the US division of the leading UK craft beer.

The Griffin Group is headquartered in Novato, Marin County, California.

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About The Griffin Group
The Griffin Group is a San Francisco-based investment and consulting company focused on optimizing beverage alcohol brands. Led by spirits industry veterans, Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio, The Griffin Group operates as both boutique merchant and investment bank for premiere craft beers and artisan spirits. The Griffin Group and its affiliated companies own, distribute and market a full portfolio of family-owned, multi-generational craft beers and artisan spirits. The Griffin Group established Anchor Brewers & Distillers, LLC in 2010 to further and contribute to the culture and heritage of craft beers and artisan spirits.
www.tgg.us.com

About Anchor Brewing Company
Fritz Maytag acquired Anchor in 1965 reviving this old brewery with a history dating back to 1870. At a time when mass breweries seemed unstoppable, Maytag started a revolution in beer that initiated today’s craft beer movement. He held the simple belief that beer made from the finest natural ingredients under strict brewing conditions and supervision would find an audience. In 1993 Maytag’s fascination with fermentation led to distillation in addition to brewing, helping establish another new US movement, craft distilling. Today, Maytag is the Chairman of the US Craft Distillers Group.
www.anchorbrewing.com