11th Sep 2026 09:23
(Alliance News) - C&C Group PLC on Friday said it has agreed to buy wholesale operations in the UK of Tokyo-based brewer Asahi Group Holdings Ltd for a "nominal consideration".
The purchase includes Nectar Imports Ltd and the direct distribution operations of Asahi UK.
The Dublin-based cider and beer maker and distributor said the businesses will be integrated into its Matthew Clark Bibendum hospitality supply division. The deal is is expected to complete in early October, C&C said.
The deal includes customer and supplier relationships and agreements, intellectual property, a leased depot and certain assets, including vehicles and stock.
In addition, Matthew Clark Bibendum will enter into a long-term business partnership associated with Asahi brands in the UK. The agreement also includes the full transfer of supply arrangements to the Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC on-trade estate.
C&C said the acquisition will "provide a significant number of new customers with MCB market leading service and range proposition" and deliver scale and efficiency to the group's operations.
Chief Executive Roger White said: "We expect the majority of the customer and supplier transitions to be completed in the coming weeks, and for the acquisition to make a small positive contribution to the overall financial performance of MCB in FY27."
C&C also provided a business update on Friday. It said trading in the six months to August 31 was in line with expectations.
Underlying operating profit for the first half is expected to be between EUR43.0 million and EUR44.0 million, in line with expectations. Operating profit before exceptional items was EUR41.9 million in the first half of financial 2026.
Net revenue fell 3.0% on a constant currency basis, reflecting 2.0% growth in branded revenue and a 4.0% decline in distribution revenue.
C&C said the decline in distribution revenue was driven primarily by the planned exit of lower-margin customer business, alongside the continued impact of market declines in outlet numbers and certain drinks categories.
C&C said it remains on track to deliver full-year operating profit in line with market expectations, though it said market conditions remain volatile and noted the upcoming Christmas trading period will be key.
Shares in C&C were up 5.8% to 94.40 pence per share on Friday morning in London.
By Niall Holden, Alliance News reporter
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