Bell’s Brewing to be Sold to Australasian Corporation | Eater Chicago

"The Michigan-based craft brewery behind influential beers such as Oberon Ale and Two Hearted IPA (along with Hopslam, Amber Ale and Winter White) was founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo and is widely credited with shaping Chicago’s craft beer tastes. Facing the founder’s retirement and health issues, the company is being sold to Australasian brewer Lion and parent Kirin and is slated to be operated by Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing in Colorado; fans and the founder expect little to no change to the popular offerings. Its beers have had local economic impact as well — one longtime Chicago beer-bar owner says the consistent availability of the brewery’s Amber Ale helped keep his business viable in its early years." - Naomi Waxman