C&C Group Acquires Innis & Gunn for £4.5 Million, Saving Scottish Craft Beer Brand

Dublin-based drinks group C&C Group has acquired the Innis & Gunn beer brand from administration for £4.5 million, a move that secures the future of the Scottish craft brewer. The deal, announced on March 6, 2026, sees C&C Group, already a minority shareholder and brewing partner, seize full ownership of the brand and its intellectual property.

Deal Details and Background

C&C Group’s acquisition includes the Innis & Gunn name and all associated intellectual property. The transaction was funded from C&C’s existing facilities and is anticipated to contribute positively to the group’s financial performance in fiscal year 2027 [1]. The acquisition follows Innis & Gunn entering administration, a process where a company is placed under the control of an insolvency practitioner.

Synergies and Integration

Roger White, CEO of C&C Group, emphasized the strategic fit of the acquisition. “This is a compelling and highly synergistic opportunity to save a well-loved brand for which we currently brew most of the product,” he stated [2]. C&C Group has been brewing the majority of Innis & Gunn’s beer at its Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow since 2010 and has distributed the brand’s beers since 2021 [2]. This existing partnership, which included C&C taking an 8% stake in Innis & Gunn in 2021, facilitates a rapid and seamless integration.

Impact on Employment

The acquisition unfortunately results in job losses. More than 100 jobs will be lost across Innis & Gunn’s pubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, as well as its brewery in Perth [1]. Founder Dougal Gunn Sharp expressed his regret over the job losses, stating he was “deeply sorry to everyone affected” [1].

Recent Industry Activity

This acquisition follows a recent trend of consolidation within the craft beer industry. Just days prior, Aberdeenshire-based BrewDog was sold to US firm Tilray in a £33 million deal [1]. Both Innis & Gunn and BrewDog previously utilized crowdfunding models to raise capital for expansion.

Looking Ahead

C&C Group anticipates a swift operational transition with minimal disruption to the business. The integration of Innis & Gunn into C&C’s portfolio, which also includes Tennent’s, Bulmers, and Magners, is expected to strengthen the group’s position in the UK drinks market. The acquisition underscores C&C Group’s commitment to strong brands and its integrated business model.