May 15, 2026 – Arlington Capital Advisors (“Arlington”) is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive financial advisor to Sapporo U.S.A., Inc. (“Sapporo USA”) in connection with the sale of the Stone Brewing (“Stone”) brand and select hospitality locations to Firestone Walker Brewing Company (“Firestone Walker”) and Duvel Moortgat USA (“Duvel USA”). The transaction brings one of America’s pioneering beer brands into a family of brewers united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term brand building.
Firestone Walker will serve as Stone’s West Coast home, building on the brands’ shared California brewing heritage, while Duvel USA will support Stone’s continued national presence. Together, the partners will support Stone’s next chapter while preserving the distinct identity and craft brewing legacy that have defined the brand for three decades. The acquisition also includes Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station in San Diego and taprooms in Little Italy, Oceanside, and Pasadena.
For Sapporo USA, the transaction supports a strategic focus on the continued growth of its namesake brand in the United States, while positioning Stone for its next phase of development with experienced craft brewing partners.
Vann Russell, Founder & Managing Director at Arlington said, “This marks Arlington’s fourth engagement with Stone Brewing or its related businesses, making it especially meaningful to help shape this next chapter. Stone holds a distinctive place in American beer, and we’re proud to have worked with Sapporo USA, Firestone Walker, and Duvel USA to bring together partners who share a deep respect for the brand and a clear vision for its future.”
About Sapporo USA
Established in 1984, Sapporo U.S.A., Inc. oversees U.S. production, distribution, sales, and marketing for the Sapporo brand. Part of the Sapporo Group, the company brings the heritage of a beer brand founded in Japan in 1876 to consumers across the United States.
About Firestone Walker and Duvel USA
Founded in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California craft brewery based in Paso Robles, with beers available nationwide and a commitment to quality, innovation, and brewing tradition. Duvel Moortgat USA’s family of breweries includes Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri. Together, Firestone Walker and Duvel USA will support Stone Brewing’s continued national presence through their brewing and distribution capabilities, while preserving the brand’s distinct identity and craft brewing heritage.
About Arlington Capital Advisors Arlington Capital Advisors is a boutique investment bank that specializes in providing businesses in the consumer and distribution sectors with advisory services. Arlington focuses on sell-side and buy-side mergers and acquisitions, sourcing growth capital and other capital-centric strategic alternatives for businesses. Securities offered through its affiliate, Arlington Capital Services, member FINRA/SIPC.