The world-renowned craft brewery Mikkeller has entered into a partnership with one of the world’s largest breweries Carlsberg. The purpose of the partnership is to increase the availability of Mikkeller’s beer in Denmark. In relation to the partnership, Carlsberg has acquired a minority interest of 20% in Mikkeller.
Mikkeller was formed in 2006 by Mikkel Bjergsø, who started brewing in his kitchen in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Today, Mikkeller is present in more than 40 markets worldwide and is behind several bars and restaurants in Denmark and bars in Tokyo, London, Paris, the Faroe Islands, Tallinn and Taipei.
In addition to Mikkel Bjergsø and Carlsberg, the owners of Mikkeller include the American private equity fund Orkila Capital, who invested in Mikkeller for the first time in 2016. Orkila Capital is selling a significant majority interest to Carlsberg but will continue as Mikkeller’s second-largest investor after Mikkel Bjergsø, who keeps his voting majority and continues in his role as CEO.
Mikkeller wants to continue the success of its own bars and restaurants and to further strengthen the brand and develop and produce new innovative quality beers.
Accura advised Mikkeller and Orkila Capital in connection with the transaction.