A collection of six American craft beverage equipment suppliers merged in a $100 million deal to create Lotus Beverage Alliance. The six merged companies include Alpha Brewing Operations, GW Kent, Twin Monkeys, Stout Tanks and Kettles, Brewmation, and Automated Extractions.
John Ansbro, a more than 30-year veteran of the equipment manufacturing industry who has held senior executive positions at Alfa Laval, Johnson Controls and GEA Group, was named CEO of Lotus Beverage Alliance. In addition, the five founders of the six merging companies (Matt Rennerfeldt, John Watt, Kevin Weaver, Josh Van Riper and Randy Reichwage) will remain in senior leadership positions.
“Lotus has everything craft beverage creators need to produce the amazing artisanal products they love for people who love them,” Ansbro said. “Our team’s proven industry experience includes a deep bench of experts helping to optimize the production of handcrafted beverages for consumers to enjoy.”
Lotus Beverage Alliance will produce more than 1,500 products, including turn-key brewhouse production equipment, 304 stainless steel conical fermenters, brew kettles, IBC totes, multi-capacity tanks, mash tuns, brite tanks, canning systems, automation and control systems, packaging, thermal processes and sanitation equipment, raw ingredient supply and parts. The company also introduced a proprietary financing program that offers customers financing options, with credit approvals typically taking fewer than 24 hours.
“What a bold vision to pull together such well-respected leaders of each of their respective craft beverage supplier channel segments. The result of this merger for craft beverage makers is sure to be exponential growth and continued beverage innovation,” Banjo Bandolas, director of advertising and sales at ProBrewer.com, said. “Lotus appears to be a first-mover by creating a one-stop-shop for craft brewers and companies moving into ‘beyond beer’ products. I look forward to seeing where it evolves.”
Following the six-way merger, the Lotus Beverage Alliance ownership structure includes the founders from all six businesses. Additionally, Lotus has implemented an employee ownership program at no cost to employees.
