the new Sleeman Breweries Ltd. In 1998, the company acquired Upper Canada Brewing and Quebec's Brasserie Seigneuriale Inc. In 1999, Sleeman purchased Shaftebury Brewing Company, a large microbrewery in Delta, B.C. Also in 1999, Sleeman purchased the Canadian rights to brew and distribute the American Stroh Brewing Company's folio of brands, including Stroh's, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Milwaukee, Rainier and others for $39 million. In 2000, Sleeman bought Maritime Beer Co., a small bankrupt brewer in Dartmouth, N.S. In 2002, the company purchased the rights to distribute products of the Dutch Grolsch Brewery in Canada. In 2004, the company bought Unibroue, Quebec's largest craft brewer that was making a line of premium beers in Chambly, Quebec. In 2019, the company bought Wild Rose Brewery, a small craft brewery in Calgary, Alberta. Timeline Sleeman's breweries date back to 1836 when John H., a malter and brewer, founded Stamford Springs Brewery. 1800s – The Slyman family, unlicensed English brewers, change their name to Sleeman. 1805 – John Sleeman is born in Cornwall, England. 1834 – John H. Sleeman leaves Cornwall and arrives in Upper Canada (Ontario); he settles in St. Davids (Niagara-on-the-Lake). 1836 – Sleeman establishes the Stamford Springs Brewery in St. David's. 1845 – Sleeman moves to Lockport, New York, to craft brew beer. 1847 – He sells the Stamford Spring Brewery and moves from Rockport, New York, to Guelph, where he leases Hodgert's Brewery, which he will operate for three years. 1850 – Hodgerts Brewery is sold. 1851 – Sleeman establishes his third brewery, Silver Creek Brewery, in Guelph. 1859 – He relinquishes control to his son George Sleeman (1841–1923) who had been general manager and then partner. 1862 – The business is renamed Sleeman and Son when George Jr. joins the enterprise. 1867 – John H. Sleeman retires leaving George Sleeman (Sr.) as sole owner. 1900 – John's grandson George Sleeman Jr. incorporates Sleeman Brewing and Malting and in 1903, he opens a second company, Spring Bank Beverages. 1921 – Silver Springs Brewery Beverage Company is renamed Canada Malt Products. 1927 – Spring Bank Brewery is incorporated and managed by Henry O. Sleeman. 1933 – The Sleeman brothers are charged with smuggling and tax evasion; their license is suspended and the brewery is sold to the Jockey Club. 1955 – The Sleeman Brewing and Malting Company name becomes inactive. 1988 – The Sleeman Brewing and Malting Company is re-established