Chippewa Falls Leinenkugel's brewery closing, family's purchase offer denied

The Leinenkugel Brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis. (FOX 9)
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (FOX 9) - The Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, will permanently close its doors on Friday after more than 150 years in operation.
Leinenkugel’s brewery closing
What they're saying:
A statement from Jake and Dick Leinenkugel said they made an offer to Molson Coors to buy the brewery, but that offer was declined.
READ MORE: Historic Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls to close, Molson Coors says
The Leinenkugel brothers reported in a news release that Molson Coors' CEO Gavin Hattersley said he still remains "fully committed to the Leinenkugel's brand."
This marks the end of a brewery that the Leinenkugel brothers say was "the heart and soul of Leinenkugel’s for more than 157 years."
The news release ended by saying "The Chippewa Falls brewery is more than a facility — it is a symbol of our legacy, a source of pride for our community, and a key part of what makes Leinenkugel’s unique. We continue to hope for a resolution that honors our history and secures the future of brewing in Chippewa Falls."
There are 56 jobs at the brewery that will be lost.
Molson Coors shared this statement ahead of the closing:
"With its rich history and incredible lineup of beers, Leinenkugel’s has been an important part of our company for nearly 40 years and that's not changing. While the decision to move brewing to Milwaukee was a challenging one, we are committed to maintaining a strong presence in Chippewa Falls. That's why we'll continue taking excellent care of our facilities, opening our doors year-round to thousands of guests. Our pilot brewery will continue serving as an innovation hub, and the Leinie Lodge will continue to be a gathering place for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy their favorite beers and one-of-a-kind varieties available only at the Lodge. We're incredibly proud of Leinie’s, the many people in Chippewa Falls who built this brand into what it is today, and what it will continue to be for years to come — a true Wisconsin beer beloved by people across the country. "
The backstory:
Plans to close the brewery were announced back in November.
However, the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa and its pilot brewery will remain open, and the beer will continue to be brewed in Milwaukee, according to Molson Coors officials.
The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company started brewing in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in 1867 and has brewed beer in the city ever since, staying in business even through Prohibition.
The family brewery was purchased by Miller Brewing in 1988 and has since become a nationally recognized brand.
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The Source: A news release from Jake and Dick Leinenkugel and past FOX 9 reporting.