Two of Chicago’s largest craft breweries are merging to create a new beverage company, the businesses announced Tuesday.
Half Acre Beer Company and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery said in a joint statement that the two companies “share similar visions for the future of our industry and city.”
The craft brewing industry has become oversaturated after a proliferation of new breweries in the last decade. That has forced several breweries to shut down across Chicago in recent years.
Half Acre and Maplewood, both of which feature popular taprooms, said the two businesses have strong complementary qualities that they said will form a “premier Chicago beverage company.”
“Together, we’ll shape a new era of collaboration and creativity, rooted in the individuality of two of Chicago’s most prominent brands. We unite with deep appreciation for our teams, partners, communities, and customers,” the companies said.
The companies said the merger isn’t finalized but is expected to be official “in the coming weeks.”
Half Acre opened in 2007 and is now based in Lincoln Square. Maplewood opened in 2014 and is based in Logan Square.