Monster acquires Squatters and Wasatch Brewing

Wasatch Brewery operates at the top of Main Street. Photo: Wasatch Brewery

PARK CITY, Utah — Monster Beverage Corporation, based in Corona, California and best known for its Monster Energy Drink, announced this month that it’s acquiring Colorado-based CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, whose brands include Squatters and Wasatch Brewing.

“The transaction does not include CANarchy’s stand-alone restaurants,” which includes a Squatters and Wasatch Brewery in Park City.

“The transaction will bring the Cigar City (Jai Alai IPA and Florida Man IPA), Oskar Blues (Dale’s Pale Ale and Wild Basin Hard Seltzer), Deep Ellum (Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA), Perrin Brewing (Black Ale), Squatters (Hop Rising Double IPA and Juicy IPA) and Wasatch (Apricot Hefeweizen) brands to the Monster beverage portfolio,” a Monster press release says.

Monster said that CANarchy will continue to function independently, retaining its own organizational structure and team.

“This transaction provides us with a springboard from which to enter the alcoholic beverage sector,” said Monster’s Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer Hilton Schlosberg. “The acquisition will provide us with a fully in-place infrastructure, including people, distribution and licenses, along with alcoholic beverage development expertise and manufacturing capabilities in this industry.”

“The team at CANarchy is thrilled to be joining Monster,” said CANarchy’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Short. “We look forward to capitalizing on the combined expertise of Monster and CANarchy to further strengthen our current alcoholic product offerings, expand our product portfolio to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers and to grow our business.”

Wasatch Brewery, founded in 1986, is Utah’s oldest microbrewery, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Both Squatters and Wasatch have locations in Salt Lake City and at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

The transaction is expected to close before the end of March.

The move follows United States Beverage acquiring Uinta Brewing, Utah’s largest craft brewer, earlier in January.