AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, has sold its UK-based spirits company AtomGroup, back to its original founder, Justin Petszaft, for an undisclosed sum.
Atom Group, known for its premium spirits and innovative approach to the beverage industry, was initially acquired by AB InBev’s venture capital arm ZX Ventures in 2018 (inside.beer, 24.4.2018).
The Group comprises several key divisions, including the online retailer Master of Malt, the drinks wholesaler Master of Malt Trade, the spirits producer Atom Brands, and the spirits distributor Maverick Drinks. The company asserts that Master of Malt holds the title of “number one online whisky retailer in the world.” Meanwhile, the Atom Brands division is known for producing notable brands such as Bathtub Gin, Jaffa Cake Gin, Rumbullion Rum, and That Boutique-y Whisky Company.
By divesting these assets, AB InBev aims to allocate more resources and attention to its beer brands, which have been the cornerstone of its business.
“We are pleased to return Atom Group to its founder, who has a deep understanding of the business and its potential,” said a spokesperson for AB InBev. “This transaction allows us to sharpen our focus on our core beer operations while ensuring that Atom Group continues to thrive under familiar leadership.”
Petszaft acknowledged that selling to AB InBev happened too early in the business's development to fully leverage the multinational's resources. “In many ways,” he said, “we were and still are much more like a start-up than an established mature business with stable processes which can be easily scaled.”
He expressed enthusiasm about regaining control of the company, highlighting plans to further innovate and expand the brand's presence in the spirits market. “Reacquiring Atom Group provides an exciting opportunity to continue building on the strong foundation we've established,” the founder stated. “We look forward to exploring new avenues for growth and bringing even more innovative products to our customers.”
This move is part of a trend where major beverage companies are reassessing their portfolios to better align with their strategic goals. For AB InBev, focusing on its beer brands means doubling down on its strengths and leveraging its global distribution network to drive growth in a competitive market.
Industry analysts view this transaction as a positive step for both parties. AB InBev can now concentrate on its core competencies, while Atom Group is poised for renewed growth and innovation under the guidance of its original leadership.
