The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has confirmed it is assessing complaints against BrewDog co-founder James Watt after he reportedly contacted former shareholders as part of a bid to regain control of the craft brewer. The move has sparked concerns over potential breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
ICO Assessment Underway
An ICO spokeswoman stated: “We are aware of an incident involving BrewDog and we are assessing the information provided.” The watchdog’s response follows a report by The Guardian, which revealed that several shareholders contacted by Mr Watt were unsure how he obtained their contact details, raising red flags under data privacy rules.
Mr Watt has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
Background: Tilray Rescue Deal
Earlier this year, US drinks firm Tilray Brands acquired BrewDog’s brand, intellectual property, UK breweries, and 11 bars in a rescue deal worth approximately £33 million. The administration process led to the closure of 36 BrewDog bars, affecting nearly 500 workers. The takeover also rendered shares held by around 200,000 crowdfunding investors worthless.
Watt’s Bid to Buy Back BrewDog
On Wednesday, Mr Watt made a fresh bid to repurchase the Scottish craft beer firm through his new beer company, Second Best. He claimed that 43,000 so-called equity punk investors had joined forces to support the offer. However, Tilray executives have stressed that the brand is not for sale and plan to reject the takeover efforts.
Tilray’s Stance on Data Privacy
A spokesman for Tilray clarified: “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).” The spokesman added that Tilray only acquired a customer CRM database comprising individuals who explicitly opted in to BrewDog communications.
“Tilray Brands (trading as BrewDog) and its current management team have no involvement in, affiliation with, or responsibility for James Watt’s business activities, including Second Best,” the spokesman continued. “Tilray Brands did not authorise, facilitate, or participate in the communications reportedly sent to former Equity for Punks investors and did not authorise the use of any acquired data for such purposes. We take data privacy with the utmost seriousness and can categorically confirm that no data held by Tilray Brands has been shared with external entities or former directors.”
Watt’s History with BrewDog
Mr Watt co-founded BrewDog in Aberdeenshire in 2007, and the brand grew rapidly. He stepped down as chief executive in 2024 to become its “captain and co-founder.” The current controversy adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding the brewery’s ownership and governance.
