C&C completes Gleeson takeover

Drinks group C&C has completed the full integration of the country’s largest drinks distributor nearly two years after initially announcing its acquisition.

C&C, known chiefly for its Bulmers and Magners cider brands, announced the €12.4m takeover of the Gleeson Group in November 2012, with the overall purchase value rising to €58m on the back of the distributor’s €46m debts being taken on board.

C&C chief executive Stephen Glancey at the time said the deal could transform its& Irish business, giving it a more extensive distribution network and creating a more attractive multi-beverage brand platform.