West Coast-based Two Roots Brewing Company has announced it is acquiring Rochester Mills Brewing Company. The agreement will allow Two Roots to expand both brewing and distribution capacity throughout the Midwest and the East Coast.

“Two Roots Brewing Co. and Rochester Mills Production Brewery have a natural synergy and a true love for all things craft beer. We’re excited to work together to continue to expand the business and its offerings,” said Michael Hayford, managing member of Two Roots Brewing Co. and CEO of Lighthouse Strategies LLC.

Two Roots Brewing is a subsidiary of Lighthouse Strategies LLC, and is the dba of Infamy Brews. Two Roots makes both traditional ales and lagers, as well as non-alcoholic brews that it bills as a “new class of adult beverages poised to change the beverage industry."

That means beverages infused with cannabis, known as “cannabier.” These are only available in California and Nevada as of now.

The good news for Michigan craft beer fans is this acquisition will keep Rochester Mills brewing and selling its popular beers here, just like it has since it opened its production facility in 2012. The deal includes the Auburn Hills production facility, but not the restaurant and pub in Rochester. The beers, for now, will remain the same.

“Rochester Mills has always been at the forefront of craft beer innovation. From our legendary Milkshake Stout to Juice Bigalow NEIPA, and our wildly popular 12 Days of Milkshake Stout, Rochester Mills has created many iconic craft beers,” said Earl Smith, CEO of Rochester Mills Production Brewery, in a statement. “We are excited to join forces with Two Roots Brewing Co. and to forge together the future of craft beverages.”

Two Roots traditional craft beers should be hitting the Michigan market in 2020. Rochester Mills will be brewing non-alcoholic beer in bulk, and then selling that beer to state-licensed cannabis manufacturers. These manufacturers will then infuse, package, and distribute the cannabiers, under the Two Roots label. Cannabis will not be present at Rochester Mills Brewing.

According to Hayford, “There will be no changes to the Rochester Mills leadership and brewing team or the availability of the incredible beverage products we produce. The acquisition of the Rochester Mills Production Brewery includes both the physical assets and the brewing expertise that has made them one of Michigan’s top craft breweries. Their ability to drive the Rochester Mills business forward is key to the expansion of the Two Roots Brewing Co. brand.”

The acquisition will add 60,000 barrels of brewing capacity to Two Roots production.

This news follows several other recent announcements of acquisitions and changes in the ownership of Michigan based breweries. Despite these changes, craft beer continues to grow in Michigan, with a 10% increase in production since 2017.

“Unlike other craft brewery acquisitions, where a macro-brewery comes in and gobbles up an independently owned brewery, we admire Rochester Mills Production Brewery’s history. We truly see them as a partner where we not only can help expand their business and unique portfolio, but also further Two Roots Brewing Co. and reach exciting new opportunities within their markets,” Hayford said.