IRISH drinks group, C&C has increased its presence in Britain’s drinks market by reaching agreement to buy the British cider assets of international drinks group, Constellation Brands, for £45 million (€50m) in cash.

Interbrew, the Belgian beer giant which makes famous tipples including Stella Artois and Beck’s lager, today said thirsty drinkers helped grow sales by 4.5% in the first half of 2003.