The administrators for Sydney Beer Co have revealed the company owes almost $10 million to creditors including the Australian Taxation Office and the McGrath Foundation.
RSM Australia partners Richard Stone and Brett Lord have been appointed as administrators of the company. Founded in 2016, cricketer Brett Lee became a co-owner in 2022. Sydney Beer Co supplies its products to more than 350 venues and is also stocked by Endeavour Group and independent liquor outlets.
Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show the company went into administration on 7 March 2025.
Chairman David Catterall is owed $6.2 million via a related party loan, the ATO is owed $1.29 million and breast cancer charity group the McGrath Foundation – launched by fellow former cricketer Glenn McGrath – is owed $33,000.
Other creditors named in the meeting minutes include liquor retailers Liquor Stax and Independent Liquor Group.
Sydney Beer Co’s US operations unaffected
A privately-owned extension of Sydney Beer Co was established in the United States last year and is unaffected by the Australian administration proceedings.
A spokesman said Sydney Beer Co was trading strongly in the US and “showing tremendous growth”, with its products brewed by Dan Gordon from California’s Gordon Biersch Brewery.
Its US launch party was held in Santa Monica in September 2024, with the brand also featuring at the Solento Surf Festival in Southern California later that month.
“We’re excited to introduce Sydney Beer Co. to the US and start in the vibrant communities of Southern California,” said USA COO Drew Dunlap.
“With the expertise of Dan Gordon and a craft-minded approach to brewing, we’ve paired our dedication to quality with a commercial strategy to bring this one-of-a-kind Australian beer to local consumers.”
Its tinnies were also the toast of Australian comedian Andy Lee’s Aussie-themed pub in New York City when it opened on 21 February.