Constellation Brands sells Gaymer cider to C&C Group

Gaymer is the second largest cider maker in the UK, having produced 1.5 million hl last year – almost double Magners’ current UK volumes. More than 80 percent of its business is through the off-trade channel, which accounts for two thirds of the UK cider trade, it was reported.

Planned synergies of about GBP 3 million (EUR 3.3 million) leave a question mark over the future of Gaymer’s 250 employees, who will be transferred to C&C in January.

The deal is expected to complete by mid-January 2010.

The latest deal keeps C&C on the acquisition trail after the group in September 2009 paid AB-InBev GBP 180 million (EUR 199 million) for the Tennent’s lager brand and Scottish distribution rights to brands including Stella Artois and Budweiser.