USA, PA: Victory Brewing Company receives financing to expand operations

First Niagara, a multi-state community-oriented bank, announced on October, 31 it served as lead arranger and administrative agent in a $33.1 mln financing package for Victory Brewing Company.

The $33.1 mln is being used to finance the build-out of a second brewery, located in a 212,000 square foot building in Parkesburg, PA. The new brewery will feature a brewhouse capable of producing ten 200-barrel brews per day, a 50,000 square-foot distribution centre with increased efficiency and safety features, and 1,000-barrel fermentation tanks.

Based in Downingtown, Pa., Victory Brewing Company is a premier craft brewery that offers more than 20 varieties of beers.

"We have a long-standing relationship with First Niagara, and they understand our business objectives," said Ron Barchet, Brewmaster and CEO. "They were able to customize a financing solution that will allow us to successfully grow our business and meet the demand for the Victory brand."

"From the beginning, we recognized something very special about this organization," said Robert Kane, regional president at First Niagara. "Not only do they have a solid business plan, they also have a passion for their business. As bankers, we know it takes both to thrive in today's competitive business environment."

Victory Brewing Company has broken ground on their new facility and expects to open for tours in the summer of 2013.

02 November, 2012