UPDATE at 4:25 p.m. CST on January 15, 2025: Molson Coors has responded to the Leinenkugel family’s statement with one of their own, issued by the company’s Chief Communications Officer, Adam Collins:
“With its rich history and incredible lineup of beers, Leinenkugel’s has been an important part of our company for nearly 40 years and that’s not changing. While the decision to move brewing to Milwaukee was a challenging one, we are committed to maintaining a strong presence in Chippewa Falls.
That’s why we’ll continue taking excellent care of our facilities, opening our doors year-round to thousands of guests. Our pilot brewery will continue serving as an innovation hub, and the Leinie Lodge will continue to be a gathering place for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy their favorite beers and one-of-a-kind varieties available only at the Lodge.
We’re incredibly proud of Leinie’s, the many people in Chippewa Falls who built this brand into what it is today, and what it will continue to be for years to come — a true Wisconsin beer beloved by people across the country.“
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — Molson Coors has seemingly rejected the Leinenkugel family’s attempt to enter a negotiation to bid on their beloved Chippewa Falls brewery in the wake of the news that this location would be closed by the multinational brewing company.
According to a statement obtained exclusively by WTMJ, Jake and Dick Leinenkugel attempted to enter negotiations to put a bid in on the Chippewa Falls brewery by submitting a request to enter a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Molson Coors CEO Gavin Hattersley rejected the NDA request on Jan. 6, telling the family he remains “fully committed to the Leinenkugel’s brand.”
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The Leinenkugels told WTMJ they followed up on Jan. 8, offering to enter conversations without an NDA. They emphasized that their efforts are not based entirely on business interests but more so on preserving the sixth-generation brewery and its 157+ year history. As of Jan. 15, they say their requests to enter further negotiations have not been responded to.
“Despite this, we remain optimistic that Molson Coors’ leadership will reconsider our proposal and engage in meaningful discussions about safeguarding this important part of our heritage,” the Leinenkugels’ statement read. “The Chippewa Falls brewery is more than a facility—it is a symbol of our legacy, a source of pride for our community, and a key part of what makes Leinenkugel’s unique. We continue to hope for a resolution that honors our history and secures the future of brewing in Chippewa Falls.”
PREVIOUS: What’s the future of Leinenkugel Brewing? — Wisconsin’s Afternoon News
The last day of brewing at the Leinenkugel Brewery is this Friday, Jan. 17. It’s expected that the closure will leave at least 56 employees without jobs with others expected to relocate to other Molson Coors facilities in the state or beyond.
Leinenkugel’s Chippewa Falls brewery is a community staple, tourist destination, economic hub and cultural landmark for many locals and their families, who grew up with the brewery in their neighborhood. You can read the full statement in the document below.
This is a developing news story. An update and/or follow-up may be issued as further details are revealed.