Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney add to Wrexham empire by buying brewery

Hollywood duo, who already own Wrexham AFC, buy majority stake in self-proclaimed oldest lager brewery in Britain

The Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have added to their Wrexham empire by taking over the self-proclaimed oldest lager brewery in Britain.
The actors, who already own Wrexham AFC, the North Wales city’s football club, announced that they have acquired a majority stake in Wrexham Lager. The brewery, founded in 1881, sponsors a stand at the club’s ground.
“As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot,” Reynolds and McElhenney said in a statement. “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.”
Reynolds, the 48-year-old Canadian-born actor, producer and businessman, is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. American actor and writer McElhenney, 47, is best known for creating and starring in the US sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The pair became majority owners of Wrexham AFC in February 2021. Since then, the club has been promoted twice and is third in League One, the third tier of English football.
The takeover has also brought success off the pitch, with the city experiencing a tourism boom following the Emmy award-winning television series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the pair’s stewardship of the club.
Reynolds and McElhenney were honoured by Wrexham council with the freedom of the city in 2022.
It is hoped their latest deal will help Wrexham Lager’s plans to expand internationally.
James Wright, the chief executive officer of the brewery, said: “This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world.
“So to have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us. They have been doing wonders for Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”
The acquisition was made by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by The RR McReynolds Company, which is owned equally by Reynolds and McElhenney and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York.
The Roberts family, who have owned and operated the brewery since 2011, will maintain an active role within the business.