Brewdog founder faces data complaints over efforts to buy back firm

Brewdog co-founder James Watt is facing complaints to the UK data watchdog after he reportedly contacted former shareholders as part of efforts to take back control of the craft brewer.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said it was "assessing" information following complaints related to Watt.

Earlier this year, US drinks firm Tilray took over Brewdog in a deal worth about £33m after the company collapsed with debts of more than £500m, leading to hundreds of job losses.

The administration process saw Brewdog shut 36 bars while the takeover deal rendered the shares of about 200,000 crowdfunding investors worthless.

Watt stepped down as chief executive of the brand in 2024 to become its "captain and co-founder".

On Wednesday, Watt made a bid to buy back the Scottish craft beer firm just months after it was acquired.

He tabled an offer to buy Brewdog through his new beer firm, Second Best, claiming that 43,000 so-called equity punk investors had joined forces for the bid.

The Guardian has reported, external that a number of shareholders contacted by Watt said they did not understand how he had their contact details, raising concerns about a potential breach of the general data protection regulation (GDPR).

"We are aware of an incident involving Brewdog and we are assessing the information provided," an ICO spokeswoman said.

At its peak, the company had four breweries, about 100 pubs worldwide and was said to be worth more than $1bn.

Image source, Getty ImagesEarlier this week, bosses at Tilray stressed that the brand was not for sale and planned to reject Watt's takeover efforts.

A spokesman added: "Tilray Brands did not acquire Equity for Punk shareholder data as part of its acquisition of the BrewDog brand and assets; that records system remains under the control of BrewDog plc (in administration).