WILMINGTONNext Glass, a Wilmington-based beer software company, is expanding its offerings.

The owners of the popular drinking social app Untappd announced today that it has acquired certain assets of BeerAdvocate, including the popular www.beeradvocate.com website.

BeerAdvocate will join Untappd under the Next Glass corporate umbrella, but both will maintain their own distinct and separate platforms and brands.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1996, BeerAdvocate offers in-depth beer reviews and ratings.

Next Glass said there are plans to invest in new features and team members for BeerAdvocate. However, the content in its user profiles, forums, and beer pages will “remain unaltered.”

“Communities like BeerAdvocate and Untappd are important pillars of the brewing industry and deserve good stewardship,” said Trace Smith, president of Next Glass, in a statement.

“We’ve demonstrated an appreciation for the integrity of these platforms and the importance of the vision of founders. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Untappd Founder Greg Avola over the last five years to improve the Untappd user experience, and we’ll do the same with BeerAdvocate to ensure the brand remains true to its long-held central tenet – Respect Beer.”

“I’m confident that this is the best path for all of us,” added said Todd Alström, founder of BeerAdvocate. “Next Glass is committed to not only helping BeerAdvocate, but passionate about protecting and cultivating our unique culture, identity, and community,” “I’m excited for the future and look forward to working with my new coworkers in taking BeerAdvocate to the next level.”

Founded in 2013 by Kurt Taylor, Next Glass develops software and creates experiences that connect enthusiasts, retailers, and producers in the beverage alcohol industry. In 2016, it merged with Los Angeles startup Untappd.

Today, Untappd is considered one of the world’s most popular social drinking app, with over 8.5 million users and counting around the world. The company also operates the world’s largest beer menu publishing software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) platform, Untappd for Business. The social and business products are currently in use in over 100 countries around the world.

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