Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy into Wrexham Lager

Wrexham Lager Beer Co has welcomed Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as new co-owners of the company.

The deal comes four years after the actors bought the Welsh town’s struggling Wrexham football club and created a hit documentary series about its turnaround.

Wrexham Lager is the oldest lager brewery still existing in Great Britain, having launched in 1882, and supplies to several channels including the on-trade.

The deal is expected to considerably scale up its infrastructure and international production, distribution and marketing efforts.

The acquisition was made by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by the RR McReynolds Company, the majority owner of Wrexham AFC, and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York. Red Dragon Ventures was created to drive growth in the Wrexham community and Wrexham AFC.

The Roberts family, who have owned and operated Wrexham Lager since 2011, will maintain an active role within the business and continue to oversee quality control across all markets, local brewery operations, and community engagement projects.

McElhenney and Reynolds said: “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.”

Recently appointed chief executive James Wright will continue to lead the brewer after overseeing rapid UK growth, as well as international expansion into Australia, Japan, and Scandinavia. 

Distribution in the US and Canada is set to go live in the coming months.

“This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world,” said Wright.

“So, to have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”

The brand currently produces the 4% abv Wrexham Lager, 5% abv Wrexham Lager Export, and recently introduced 4.6% abv Pilsener.