Lagunitas, Heineken in deal

Heineken International will acquire a 50 percent stake in Lagunitas Brewing Co., the Petaluma brewer of hoppy craft beers announced Tuesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal allows Lagunitas to utilize the Amsterdam-based company’s global production and distribution network, founder and owner Tony Magee said.

“This venture will create a way for Lagunitas to help Heineken’s global distribution network participate in the growing craft beer category in places from Tierra Del Fuego and Mongolia to the far-flung Isle of Langerhans,” Magee said in a statement. “Lagunitas will share in the best quality processes in the world and enjoy an open door to opportunities that took lifetimes to build. This alliance with the world’s most international brewer represents a profound victory for American craft. It will open doors that had previously been shut and bring the U.S. craft beer vibe to communities all over the world.”

Heineken, the world’s thrid largest beer company, was established in 1864. Magee described the agreement with Heineken as a 50-50 partnership. Heineken will have three seats on the Lagunitas board and the Petaluma brewery will retain three seats. Magee, who began the company in 1993, will remain chairman.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, CEO of Heineken, said the company is excited to partner with Lagunitas.

“We recognize and respect the tremendous success of Tony and his team in building one of the great American Craft Beer brands,” he said.