Molson buys Creemore Springs Brewery

Molson Canada said Friday it has acquired Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd. for an undisclosed price.

Molson said it will look at expanding Creemore sales to other parts of Canada, as well as increasing the Ontario-based craft brewer's marketing spending.

Molson said the acquisition will give it a position in the growing domestic super-premium segment, adding that the Creemore brand image and brewing craft will remain unchanged.

"Molson's intention is for Creemore to continue operating as a distinct organization benefiting from its own people, knowledge, recipes and marketing methods," said Kevin Boyce, the president and CEO of Molson Canada.

Based in the small Ontario town for which it is named, Creemore employs about 50 people. The company dates back to 1987.

Molson's acquisition of Creemore marks the latest move by Canada's larger beer companies to buy smaller breweries that make premium-priced beer. In June 2004, Sleeman completed the takeover of Quebec beermaker Unibroue.