Rugenbräu AG has secured succession and remains locally owned

Two members of Rugenbräu AG’s management team, Remo Kobluk, CEO, and Christian Schneiter, head of finance and HR, together with Bernese entrepreneur Bernard Fuhrer, owner and CEO of Felsenau Brewery, and Bern-based attorney Dominique Gottret, have jointly acquired the traditional brewery in the canton of Bern. This transaction ensures that Rugenbräu AG remains in Bernese hands, led by individuals who have known the company for many years and share a close connection with it.

Founded in 1866 and owned by the Hofweber family since 1892, Rugenbräu AG has grown over five generations into a well-established name in the Bernese Oberland and greater Bern region. With an annual production volume of around 3.5 million liters of beer, it is the largest independent brewery in the canton of Bern. At its headquarters in Matten near Interlaken, the company produces beer and spirits across an area of approximately 8,000 m², including the award-winning Swiss Mountain Whisky from its own Rugen Distillery. Rugenbräu AG’s products have earned numerous national and international awards, including the Swiss Beer Award, DistiSuisse and IWSC, a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The company employs around 50 people and has combined tradition, passion and innovation for nearly 160 years.

With the support of Bernard Fuhrer and Dominique Gottret, Rugenbräu AG will continue to be managed by its experienced leadership team, Remo Kobluk and Christian Schneiter, who have successfully developed the company over many years. As owner of the Felsenau Brewery, Bernard Fuhrer also plans to further strengthen the long-standing cooperation between the two breweries.

Oaklins’ team in Switzerland acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the shareholders of Rugenbräu AG in the transaction.