Cider and beer maker C&C Group intends to invest up to €2m on increasing capacity at its Irish brewing facilities — either in Dublin or Clonmel — in the near term.

C&C chief executive Stephen Glancey has insisted that the cider and lager maker remains committed to its struggling US business despite a further writedown in its value pulling the group into the red last year.

Drinks group C&C has written down the value of its US operations by €150m on the back of another challenging year in the region.

C&C could significantly downsize its English and Welsh operations if it fails in its bid to buy British bar owner, Spirit Pub Company.

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

Manufacturer’s of Magners cider, C&C Group, have reported results in line with guidance on the back of poor weather and increased competition.

C&C Group has acquired the Gleeson Group, the country’s leading drinks distributor, in a deal valued at €58 million — a move C&C claims has the potential to “transform” its Irish business.

Drinks group C&C is expecting operating profits, for its current financial year to grow by up to €7m on the previous 12 months; although earnings from its Irish operations are likely to remain flat.

Drinks group C&C has reported a 16% increase in full-year pre-tax profits, despite seeing core revenues in its Irish cider business fall by nearly 9%.

DRINKS group C&C has expanded further into the US, with the €20 million acquisition of that market’s second largest cider brand.

DRINKS group C&C said it will exploit takeover opportunities in Ireland and in overseas markets as opportunities present themselves in the coming years.

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.

C&C shares rose almost 8% yesterday after the company said & Irish cider sales were helped by “a successful few months for Irish rugby,” which included the Irish team winning its first Grand Slam in 61 years last March.

C&C Group has announced that finance director, Brendan Dwan will retire in May of this year, after 34 years service with the company.