IN a new chapter for Wrexham and its historic brewery, Wrexham Lager, Hollywood actors and Wrexham AFC co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have announced their acquisition of the famed Welsh lager. The pair made the announcement in characteristic fashion, sharing the news through a light-hearted video. In it, they revealed plans to bring Wrexham Lager, already a brand with international roots, to the United States and Canada.
The acquisition was made through Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture between The R.R. McReynolds Company, which holds a majority stake in Wrexham AFC, and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York. Red Dragon Ventures aims to support Wrexham’s growth both through the football club and its wider community.
McElhenney and Reynolds expressed their enthusiasm, saying: “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot – the connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides rule, and the occasional need for beer, especially after finance meetings. Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history, and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”
Established in 1881 by German immigrants in Wrexham, the brewery has a long heritage. Wrexham Lager became a well-regarded export by the late 19th century, although production scaled back during World War II. It changed ownership multiple times before being closed by Carlsberg in the early 2000s. Fortunately, the Roberts family revived the brand in 2011, restoring it with an original recipe.
Under this new ownership, the venture aims to enhance the brewery’s infrastructure and expand its international distribution, tapping into both North American and wider markets. Wrexham Lager CEO James Wright noted the significance of this moment: “This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world. To have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”
This announcement also coincides with the Allyn family becoming minority investors in Wrexham AFC. The Allyn family, known for previously owning the medical device company Welch Allyn, has committed an undisclosed sum to the joint venture, adding another layer of support to Wrexham’s growth strategy.
McElhenney and Reynolds expressed their appreciation for their new partners, stating, “Wrexham has earned the world’s attention, and we are focused on bringing on board world-class partners to help with the next phase of our growth. We have been fortunate to get to know the Allyn family, and we are blown away by their intelligence, kindness, and commitment. They are exactly the type of partners we will need for this amazing endeavour.”
The acquisition represents another transformative step for Wrexham, strengthening both the town’s community and its expanding presence on the global stage.
