Breaking Development
C&C Group has acquired Innis & Gunn for £4.5 million, marking a significant shift in the brewery’s operations. This acquisition, announced on March 6, 2026, comes as Innis & Gunn was brought out of administration.
Immediate Circumstances
As part of the acquisition, C&C Group plans to close Innis & Gunn’s brewery and taprooms, resulting in the loss of more than 100 jobs. This decision follows a challenging financial period for Innis & Gunn, which reported a loss of £747,000 for the year ending March 31, 2025.
Founded in 2003 by Dougal Gunn Sharp, Innis & Gunn has been known for its oak-aged beers and lagers. C&C Group has been a minority shareholder and brewing partner for Innis & Gunn for several years, which may have influenced the decision to acquire the brand.
Roger White, CEO of C&C Group, described the acquisition as a “compelling and highly synergistic opportunity to save a well-loved brand for which we currently brew most of the product.” He also expressed optimism, stating, “We expect this acquisition to make a small positive contribution to our overall financial performance in FY27.”
Dougal Gunn Sharp expressed his sorrow over the job losses, 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.” The acquisition has drawn attention to the challenges faced by craft breweries in a competitive market.