C&C acquires Innis & Gunn brand

C&C Group buys Innis & Gunn for £4.5m, integrating the premium beer brand into its brewing and distribution network

C&C Group plc recently announced that it has acquired the Innis & Gunn brand and associated global intellectual property (‘IP’) from the administrators of Innis & Gunn (the ‘Acquisition’). C&C has been a minority shareholder and brewing partner of Innis & Gunn for several years.

Strategic rationale and integration

The acquisition represents an attractive opportunity for the Group to further broaden its branded portfolio with a premium, well-established brand.

The integration of Innis & Gunn into the Group is expected to present a very low execution risk, with the brand being fully absorbed into the Group’s existing operational, commercial and supply chain infrastructure.

As a result, the Board anticipates a rapid operational transition and minimal disruption to the business.

The Group intends to develop the Innis & Gunn brand utilising its established production capability, routes to market, and infrastructure, leveraging existing capabilities to unlock brand value with minimal requirement for incremental overhead or capital investment.

The acquisition of Innis & Gunn reinforces its belief in the value of strong brands and the importance of its integrated manufacturing supply, marketing and sales business model.

The acquisition consideration is £4.5 million, funded from existing facilities.

Roger White, chief executive officer, commented: “We have worked with Innis & Gunn for many years, and whilst it’s under difficult circumstances, we are delighted to bring the brand fully into our portfolio.

“This is a compelling and highly synergistic opportunity to save a well-loved brand for which we currently brew most of the product.

“Our existing brewing and route-to-market platform allows us to integrate the brand effectively and quickly, supporting the ongoing supply of products to customers and consumers.

“We expect this Acquisition to make a small positive contribution to our overall financial performance in FY27.”