Acquisition Announcement
C&C Group has announced the acquisition of Innis & Gunn for £4.5 million, a significant development that will reshape the landscape of the Scottish brewing industry. The deal, finalized on March 6, 2026, comes as Innis & Gunn was brought out of administration.
The acquisition will result in the closure of Innis & Gunn’s brewery and associated pubs, leading to the loss of more than 100 jobs. This marks a stark turn for a company that has been a notable player in the craft beer market since its founding in 2003 by Dougal Gunn Sharp.
C&C Group, which is also the owner of Tennent’s, has been a minority shareholder and brewing partner for Innis & Gunn for several years. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to consolidate operations and streamline production, as C&C Group already brews most of Innis & Gunn’s products.
Despite the acquisition’s potential benefits for C&C Group, it raises concerns about the future of the Innis & Gunn brand and its loyal customer base. The brewery has enjoyed a steady rise in success since its inception, and its closure marks a significant loss for the craft beer community.
Dougal Gunn Sharp expressed deep regret over the situation, stating, “I’m deeply sorry to everyone affected – particularly my colleagues who have lost their jobs and the shareholders who believed in what we were building.” Meanwhile, Roger White from C&C Group described the acquisition as “a compelling and highly synergistic opportunity to save a well-loved brand.” He added, “We expect this acquisition to make a small positive contribution to our overall financial performance in FY27.”
As the industry reacts to this news, the implications of the acquisition will continue to unfold, with many stakeholders closely monitoring the situation.
