BREWDOG, the Aberdeenshire brewer with global ambitions, has secured more than £5 million in new debt from HSBC to fund its continuing expansion.
The company said the extra funding was crucial to the development of its new brewery in Ellon, which opened in December.
The £7m cost was met by HSBC extending its lending to £5.8m, with the remaining £2.2m raised by BrewDog's Equity for Punks share float. The company said "fanvestors" held 10% of its equity.
The enhanced capacity brought by the new brewery will provide the springboard for BrewDog to increase its export activities, and support the growth of its network of bars in the UK and abroad.
BrewDog exports its brews, which include Punk IPA and Trashy Blonde, to 32 countries. Its top export markets are currently Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy and Japan, with strong demand emerging in Brazil.
The brewer recently launched its 10th bar, in Birmingham, and plans to add a further four in the UK this year, in addition to opening outlets in Stockholm and Sao Paulo.
Locations are currently being considered for a further three international bars, which could come on stream at the start of 2014.
BrewDog finance director Neil Simpson said that getting the right staff for its bars overseas was a key challenge. He said: "Next to the beer itself that's the most important thing for us.
"Getting the culture we have here in the UK replicated in Sweden and Sao Paulo is one of our biggest challenges."
Mike Tate, head of commercial banking for HSBC in Scotland, said: "BrewDog is exactly the sort of business we are well placed to serve. We are confident that our international capabilities, experience and connections will help the company to maximise its potential as it rapidly expands its operation."
BrewDog was founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007. The company, which has 150 members of staff, reported a turnover of £11m in 2012.
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