C&C Group has agreed a deal with Asahi UK to acquire the Nectar Imports wholesale business as well as its direct distribution operations.
The deal is expected to be complete in October and then business will be fully integrated into C&C’s Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB) wholesale operation.
The transaction includes the Nectar Imports business, including customer and supplier contracts, and the lease of the depot in Hindon, Wiltshire. It also includes vehicles, stock, operating assets, technology and systems associated with the business and operations.
The agreement also includes the full transfer of the supply arrangements to the prestigious Fuller Smith Turner on-trade estate.
Furthermore, as a consequence of the proposed deal, Asahi UK will also cease direct distribution services currently managed from the Griffin Brewery site in Chiswick, which will transfer to MCB.
Read more: C&C Group merges Matthew Clark and Bibendum Wine
Roger White, chief executive Officer of C&C Group, said: “This move represents an attractive opportunity to provide a significant number of new customers with MCB market leading service and range proposition. At the same time driving immediate scale and efficiency into the Group operations.
“We expect the majority of the customer and supplier transitions to be completed with pace in the coming weeks, and we look forward to welcoming this group of new partners into our business.”
Tim Clay, managing director of Asahi UK, said: “This agreement represents an important strategic step for Asahi UK. Following a thorough review of Nectar Imports and the evolving market landscape, we concluded that Matthew Clark Bibendum is the right long-term home for both our Nectar and our existing direct distribution customers.
“We believe this proposed agreement creates the best outcome for our customers and strengthens our route-to-market. Importantly, it allows us to sharpen our focus on what we do best: brewing exceptional beers, building premium brands and investing in future growth.”
