Speculation of partial C&C sale

C&C IS rumoured to be in the early planning stages concerning the partial sale of its non-core spirits and liqueurs division, in a move which could free up funding for a bid for another significant acquisition in Britain sometime next year.

Although the drinks group – which owns the twin cider brands of Bulmers and Magners and last week enhanced its cider division through the acquisition of Britain’s second largest cider company, Gaymer’s – has repeatedly claimed it has no plans to offload its spirits division, speculation to the contrary has been constant.

Latest talk surrounds the possible formation of a kind of Irish spirits/ liqueur “superpower” consisting of Cooley Distillery; the Abbeyleix-based First Ireland Spirits; the former Golden Vale brand/subsidiary, St Brendan’s Irish Cream and C&C’s spirits division – which includes brands such as Tullamore Dew whiskey and Carolan’s Irish Cream.