07/28/2023
When Sapporo announced that they would be shuttering the brewery, workers immediately came together to discuss options, educate themselves, and gather resources as quickly as possible.
On Wednesday, July 19, we reached out to Sapporo USA informing them that workers intended to make a bid to purchase the brewery. Our request was simple: work with us fairly and transparently. Give us a fair shot.
On Thursday, July 20 Sapporo informed us that they would consider an offer from the workers, so long as there was a bona fide source of funding. They stated that as soon as we presented them with a representative, they would provide us with financial information on the state of the business. On Friday, July 21 our representative reached out to the company requesting the relevant financial information.
Today, Thursday July 27, Sapporo informed us that they were refusing to grant us access to this financial information, claiming that it was now too close to the date when they would hand over control of their assets. This is despite the fact that other prospective buyers had already been given access to this financial information.
Sapporo stated that they would take an offer seriously from us. Workers have taken this process seriously, through huge emotional turmoil, supporting themselves and their families, and continuing to show up to produce Anchor. Workers have engaged professionals in Project Equity and the Tuttle Law Group who have vast amounts of experience in cooperative conversions. Sapporo has decided to waste their time and refuse to provide the information they need to present a legitimate offer.
Since we reached out to them, our ask to Sapporo has been: give us a fair shot.
We are asking Sapporo to delay handing over control of their assets for one month, until September 2, 2023. Provide the financial information necessary to present a fair offer.
Now is Sapporo’s chance to do the right thing - Delay the assignment and give the workers a fair shot!
