Canada, BC: Howe Sound Brewing purchases R&B Brewing

In a move that seemed to fly under the radar of the usually attentive BC craft beer scene, Squamish’s Howe Sound Brewing has purchased Vancouver’s R&B Brewing. The deal went unreported for nearly two weeks before being revealed by Vancouver Beer Club earlier this week, Canadian Beer News reported on April 17.

When contacted by CBN for comment, Howe Sound Vice President Trevor Magee confirmed that the deal closed on April 1, and original owners Rick Dellow & Barry Benson have stayed on as employees.

“We have placed some of our key people at the facility, and Rick & Barry are assisting us with operations under our management,” says Magee. “It is our intention to preserve, brew and promote the R&B brands that have great loyalty in the Vancouver market.”

This purchase is the second move by Howe Sound to gain a foothold in the Vancouver market, following last year’s opening of Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House, a pub and BBQ restaurant owned by the brewery that serves a full range of Howe Sound brands along with a few local guest taps.

24 April, 2015