DRINKS group C&C has received some new year cheer following a tough financial year, with latest trade data in Britain showing market share increases for its Magners cider brand.

Shares in Foster’s brewer Scottish & Newcastle soared today amid market speculation over bid interest from Danish rival Carlsberg.

Shares in Scottish & Newcastle surged today after a report said rival firms Diageo and SABMiller had been considering a £9bn (€13.3bn) takeover.

Marks & Spencer led the FTSE 100 Index forward today with a stellar performance as strong half-year figures from the resurgent retailer sent its shares to a record high.

Marks & Spencer shares hit a new record today as investors celebrated a sparkling set of half-year figures from the resurgent retailer.

IRISH drinks and snacks company C&C Group is to invest a total of €25 million at its Clonmel base to boost cider production.

C&C’S plans to launch Magners cider in Britain has opened the Irish company to a counter-attack from British brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), which plans retaliation by launching Strongbow draught cider in Irish pubs.

Brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle today announced an 11% rise in underlying profits after benefiting from a strong trading performance in the UK.

EU regulators today approved brewer Scottish & Newcastle’s purchase of cider producer HP Bulmers Holdings.