Tennents owner, C&C Group, has acquired the remaining 50% stake in Ayrshire-based Wallaces Express. The move comes after the company bought a 50% stake in the business a year ago. Wallaces Express will be re-branded as Wallaces TCB and say the company “the new business will seek even more opportunities to deliver an outstanding full portfolio offering to the Scottish independent on-trade, providing ongoing support to their customers across Scotland.”
John Gilligan, Managing Director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, which is part of C&C Group, said,
“Since taking a 50% stake in Wallaces Express a year ago, we have worked to provide our customers with a one stop shop for all their alcoholic and soft drinks needs as part of our strategy of developing a multi-beverage platform in the Scottish drinks market. Our decision to acquire the business outright represents further investment by C&C in Scotland and is the latest stage of our plans to put customers at the heart of our support for the independent on-trade.
“We plan to grow the business further, finding more opportunities for cross-selling to our customers, particularly in wines and spirits and soft drinks.”
Brian Calder, Managing Director of Wallaces Express, said, “Having entered into the partnership with C&C Group last year, I am pleased for our staff and customers that we have been able to take this to the next stage. We look forward to continuing to provide an unbeatable service to our customers as part of C&C Group.”
The day to day management of both businesses remains unchanged. However Jon Gillespie, former MD at Scottish Brewers, has been appointed to work closely with John Gilligan and Brian Calder over the coming months to establish the most effective structure and strategy for the business going forward.