New Belgium – Kirin Deal On the Rocks? (Probably Not)

Dear Client: It's been about three weeks since we reported that Lion Little World Beverages, owned by Japanese brewing giant Kirin, signed an agreement for Lion to acquire “100%” of New Belgium in an “all cash transaction.” That deal was expected to close by year's end -- pending approvals by regulators and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to other customary closing conditions.  But will those hundreds of employee owners approve the deal? Or could it be derailed