Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, co-owners of the Wrexham AFC soccer team in Wales, UK, recently made a strategic move to sell a minority stake in the club to the wealthy Allyn family from Upstate New York, a partnership that has already begun to pay dividends in both capital and resources. The Allyns, known for their extensive business success and significant financial backing, bring expertise and resources that align perfectly with the duo’s vision for Wrexham AFC. The Allyn family made their fortune with Welch Allyn, a medical device company that they sold for over $2 billion dollars in 2015, which established the family as a prominent business force. This alliance will help Wrexham AFC as it seeks to progress through the ranks of English football, aiming to climb higher in the competitive leagues to the ultimate prize – the Premier League. By securing these influential partners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have bolstered the club’s ability to attract investment and compete more effectively on a broader stage.
In a unique twist, this new partnership led to the acquisition of Wrexham Lager, a historic Welsh brewery founded in 1882. As the U.K.’s oldest operating lager brewery, Wrexham Lager represents a significant cultural touchstone in the town’s history, something Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney immediately recognized as a perfect complement to their work with the club. Wrexham Lager’s story is one of resilience, having been established by German immigrants, gaining international fame with its beer served aboard the Titanic, and enduring a rocky journey of acquisitions, shutdowns, and eventual revival by the Roberts family in 2011. This legacy is set for another chapter under the stewardship of Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and the Allyn family, who aim to revitalize and expand the brewery’s reach, merging the club’s rising popularity with a brand steeped in Welsh tradition.
This acquisition of Wrexham Lager was facilitated by Red Dragon Ventures, a new entity established by Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and the Allyn family office to promote projects centered around Wrexham’s local culture and economy. Red Dragon Ventures will oversee initiatives that boost both the club’s fortunes and the town’s economy, starting with this brewery acquisition. The new ownership structure will preserve the rich history of Wrexham Lager while leveraging Wrexham AFC’s increasing popularity to introduce it to a broader audience. The investment also allows Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to tap into the brewing industry, making Wrexham Lager a community symbol tied to both football and local heritage. This acquisition epitomizes their vision to connect Wrexham AFC’s modern success with the town’s historical roots, appealing not only to local supporters, but to a global audience charmed by Wrexham’s renaissance.
These strategic moves mark another milestone for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they continue to grow their vision for Wrexham AFC beyond the pitch (that’s a soccer field for those of you not familiar with the UK’s soccer, or football, terminology). By bringing on board the Allyn family and strategic investors, and acquiring a piece of local history with Wrexham Lager, the two Hollywood stars are building a legacy that extends far beyond sports, tying Wrexham’s cultural heritage to the club’s modern rise. As Wrexham AFC gains attention worldwide, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are showing that a football club can be much more than a sports team; it can be the heart of a town’s economy, culture, and community pride.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Sell Wrexham Stake, Acquire Brewery
