Calgary-based Wild Rose Brewery is the target of a takeover bid by Sleeman Breweries.

Sleeman Breweries is based in Guelph, Ont., and owned by Sapporo Breweries Ltd. of Japan.

In media reports, Bill McKenzie, Wild Rose’s CEO, said a shareholder vote will be held May 9 on the takeover bid.

Bill McKenzie

Wild Rose is a privately held company that has been in operation since 1996. No offer price has been disclosed and McKenzie said details will be released on May 10 after the vote.

McKenzie was not available to comment.

“Our tale begins in 1996 with two entrepreneurs and a dream: to free Albertans from the tyranny of boring beer. Alan (Yule), Mike (Tymchuk) and their enthusiastic investors (and biggest fans) aimed to put Wild Rose Beer in the hands of Albertans, certain it would win their hearts. It did,” says the company on its website.

“Our first decade was one of epic block parties, Ultimate Frisbee tournaments and adventure races. Kegs of fresh WR beer abounded at each, delivered in a 1999 Yukon nicknamed The Pony Express. With each wild adventure, our community grew.

“Only true entrepreneurs would look at a WWII Air Force hangar and see a brewery. In 2006, our enthusiastic tribe donated supplies, picked up their tools and paintbrushes, and converted a 1936 Quonset hut at the Currie Barracks into a microbrewery. Our Taproom, AF23, was born.

“More than two decades after Mike and Alan’s dream, Wild Rose Brewery enjoys a new, state-of-the-art facility, world-class brewers, and one of Alberta’s finest craft quality control labs. We’re proud of our award-winning creations, but our history and community make us most proud to be Alberta’s beer.”

The taproom, AF23, and microbrewery are  still at Currie Barracks. Wild Rose also has a state-of-the-art production facility in southeast Calgary.

– Mario Toneguzzi

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