Redhook Ale focused on merger

Redhook Ale Brewery, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOOK) executives announced on a midday Thursday conference call that talks regarding a previously announced possible merger with Widmer Brothers Brewing Co., a privately held brewery, are taking “center stage.”

“The possible merger is our area of intense focus,” Redhook CEO Paul Shipman said on the call. “We have nothing further to announce regarding discussions, but they continue to progress. We will have a press release only when there are significant developments.”

The Seattle-based Redhook announced in January it is considering a possible merger with Widmer Brothers Brewing Co., a Portland, Ore.-based craft brewery. Shipman said he expects the surviving company would be public.

The specialty brewery sector of beers has been strong, and more retailers are interested in carrying microbrewery products, Shipman said. The Canadian market, which Redhook has yet to penetrate, also holds big potential, he said.

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