MONTREAL, April 23, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - After 25 years, Peter McAuslan, President, and Ellen Bounsall, Vice-President Production, founders and majority shareholders of La Brasserie McAuslan Brewing Inc., announced today that they have sold their holdings to Quebec regional brewer RJ Brewers of Montreal. Mr. McAuslan and Ms. Bounsall have sold McAuslan Brewing and will have no further role in the operations of the brewery effective the date of the transaction with RJ. Brewers. Details of the deal were not released.
"It is a bittersweet moment for us both," Peter McAuslan said. "We were pioneers in the craft brewing business in North America. We set out to make interesting beers for consumers, and change the world of brewing. We have achieved both of these goals."
McAuslan Brewing has garnered numerous awards nationally and internationally for their world-class beers. "At the recent American Craft Brewers Conference in Washington, it was a pleasure to see how this industry has flourished. It was also a pleasure to see St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout and St. Ambroise Barley Wine listed as beers to taste in the All About Beer annual listing of the best beers in the world," McAuslan noted.
Mr. McAuslan and Ms. Bounsall have also received awards from Quebec University Business schools and from the community for business acumen, volunteer work and support of the arts.
"As a part of our business philosophy, we saw direct community action as a real responsibility to be acted upon," Ellen Bounsall said. "No company can properly perform without committing time, energy and resources to supporting our fellow citizens. We are very proud of what we have achieved in this area."
Peter and Ellen will continue to live on their farm in the Eastern Townships. "I have started a small hop yard, have a maple bush, a large vegetable garden to keep me busy as well as community and business interests. I will have time to enjoy the pleasures of home brewing again," McAuslan stated.
"Our six dogs, three ducks and two chickens keep me occupied, as do other activities in the townships. Keeping busy will not be a problem," says Bounsall with a smile.
Peter and Ellen wish to thank their loyal staff for exceptional work over the years that made the company's success possible. As well, the minority shareholders, and initial investors were offered thanks. "Investing in a start up brewery in 1988 when Labatt, Molson and O'Keefe controlled 99% of the market, when there were no micro brewery beers, and when beer sales of the large breweries were in a decline took a lot of courage, and we salute our shareholders for their foresight and trust. Without them, this dream would never have been realized," McAuslan said.
McAuslan Brewing was established in 1988 and has been in the forefront of the development of the Canadian specialty beer movement since that time. McAuslan's St. Ambroise and Griffon ales are sold in eight provinces, the United States, Australia and Switzerland.
SOURCE: McAuslan Brewing
John Aylen
John Aylen Communications
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