Deal could boost Magners markets

IRISH drinks group C&C could use its newly cemented strategic agreement with industry giant, Anheuser Busch-InBev (ABI) to boost its Magners cider brand in international markets, over the long-term.

The group’s shareholders yesterday formally approved C&C’s previously announced €205 million acquisition of ABI’s Irish, Northern Irish and Scottish divisions – the chief assets of which are the Tennent’s lager brand and the Glasgow-based Wellpark Brewery where the drink is brewed.

The Competition Authority here passed the deal last week.