Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the famous actors and co-owners of the Wrexham AFC football club, are embarking on significant changes as they sell a minority stake in the club and enter a unique venture in the beverage industry.
The pair, who star in Welcome to Wrexham, have been instrumental in elevating the club’s global profile, and this latest move aims to expand both the club’s reach and their own investment footprint.
The minority stake is being sold to the Allyn family, a prominent family from upstate New York known for their successful business ventures and philanthropic focus on community growth. Alongside the stake sale, Reynolds and McElhenney are partnering with the Allyns to acquire a local heritage brewery, Wrexham Lager Beer Co. Ltd., through a joint venture called Red Dragon Ventures.
In a joint statement, Reynolds and McElhenney expressed their enthusiasm about the new partnership. “Wrexham has earned the world’s attention, and we are focused on bringing in world-class partners for the next phase of our growth,” they said. We’ve had the good fortune to get to know the Allyn family, and we are in awe of their intelligence, kindness, and dedication. They are exactly the type of partners we need for this amazing endeavor.”
In the Syracuse region of New York, the Allyn family has dedicated decades of successful projects to uplifting communities through sustainable business practices. Eric Allyn, the family’s manager and chief investment officer, emphasized a shared commitment to community growth. “Our family has spent over a century building great companies while supporting wonderful communities. We see Red Dragon Ventures as a vehicle to invest not only in a world-class football club but also in the warm, welcoming community of Wrexham.”
A Historic Brewery with New Horizons
The acquisition of Wrexham Lager marks an exciting chapter for both the brewery and its new owners. Founded in 1882, Wrexham Lager is the oldest operating lager brewery in the U.K., and it has retained a dedicated following among beer enthusiasts. Although the brewery changed hands in 2011, when the Roberts family took over, it remains a beloved symbol of Welsh brewing history. Under the new venture, the Roberts family will continue as co-owners, sharing ownership with Red Dragon Ventures.
Plans are already underway to bring the brand to North American markets, with distribution across the U.S. and Canada. This expansion aims to attract fans of Welcome to Wrexham and introduce a taste of Wrexham’s heritage to an international audience.
Connecting Club, Community, and Craft Beer
The brewery acquisition is not just a business move but a natural extension of Reynolds and McElhenney’s involvement with Wrexham’s local culture. The duo, who have openly expressed their admiration for Wrexham’s traditions, see this as a way to foster deeper connections between the club and the community. Reflecting on their experiences, they shared, “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we’ve 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.”
Through this partnership, Reynolds and McElhenney aim to sustain Wrexham AFC’s legacy while also bolstering the town’s rich brewing heritage. The combination of a storied football club and an iconic brewery promises to deepen the roots of both brands within the Wrexham community while furthering their reach on an international scale.
Looking Ahead: Wrexham’s Growing Influence
This dual investment strategy marks a new phase in Reynolds and McElhenney’s journey with Wrexham AFC, moving beyond football to invest in local industry and heritage. By combining sports, community, and craft brewing, they hope to create a multifaceted growth model that celebrates Wrexham’s unique culture while fostering economic expansion. With plans already in motion for North American distribution, the pair’s influence on Wrexham’s global standing only seems to grow.
Reynolds, McElhenney, and the Allyn family are committed to continuing their investment journey, rooted in their shared belief in Wrexham’s community and potential. This latest move strengthens Wrexham AFC’s future and represents a bold step for both the club and its co-owners.
The information is collected from MSN and BBC.
