IRISH drinks group C&C has further internationalised its board of directors by announcing the appointment of Brian Stewart as its next chairman, succeeding Tony O’Brien, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with the group.

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.

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.

DRINKS group C&C’s move to replace former chief executive Maurice Pratt, with the former head of Scottish & Newcastle, could be just the tonic needed to boost the struggling Magners brand.

John Dunsmore has been announced as the new CEO of C&C Group. He replaces Maurice Pratt, who resigned from the position last month.