C&C Group signs extended distribution and brewing deal with AB InBev: C&C Group, the manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded cider, beer, wine and soft drinks in Ireland and the UK, has entered into expanded distribution and contract brewing agreements with AB InBev UK, in respect of their respective cider and beer portfolios in the UK and Ireland. Under a new distribution agreement AB InBev will be responsible for the sale and trade marketing of C&C’s cider portfolio (including Magners, Chaplin & Corks and Blackthorn) in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, including on and off-trade national accounts; the existing contract brewing arrangements with AB InBev have been renewed and extended, whereby C&C will continue brewing, kegging, bottling and canning certain AB InBev products, including Stella Artois at C&C’s Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow; the existing distribution arrangements with AB InBev, by which C&C distributes AB InBev’s beer portfolio (including Becks, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Corona) in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland have been amended and reconfirmed; no consideration is payable by either party on signing of the Expanded Partnership Agreements, which will come into effect over the coming months, and are long term, multi-year contracts; and the Expanded Partnership Agreements are expected to be earnings neutral in the first full year of operation and accretive thereafter driven by increased volumes and value, particularly in cider in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Stephen Glancey, chief executive of C&C Group, said: “We are delighted to renew and expand the scope of our long term partnership with AB InBev, the world’s leading beverages company. The agreements leverage the manufacturing, distribution and portfolio strengths of our two businesses in our core markets in the UK and Ireland. AB InBev will represent Magners and our other cider brands in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and to UK national accounts alongside their portfolio of leading global beer brands. We will continue to sell and distribute AB InBev’s beer brands into the independent on and off-trade in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland alongside our “local champion” brands – Tennent’s, Magners and Bulmers and our growing portfolio of speciality beers and ciders. We have also renewed and extended our existing contract manufacturing arrangements to brew and package an increased volume of AB InBev’s beer portfolio at our Wellpark Brewery. We are excited by the increased opportunities from combining Magners and our other cider brands with AB InBev’s leading portfolio of beers, marketing expertise and distribution capability; particularly in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and amongst national accounts. Magners Original transformed cider-drinking 10 years ago and this rich heritage is resonating with consumers again as the brand is firmly back in volume growth. We are confident that it will flourish further within the enhanced platform that our expanded partnership with AB InBev will bring. We have been manufacturing and distributing AB InBev’s beer brand portfolio in our core territories of Scotland and Ireland since the acquisition of the Tennent’s business from AB InBev in 2009. Today’s renewal of these agreements is testament to the strength of our distribution networks across Ireland and Scotland and our leading positions and brands in these territories; and underscores the quality and efficiency of our manufacturing facilities.” Jason Warner, president, AB InBev UK & Ireland, said: “AB InBev has had a close, strategic partnership with C&C since 2009 and we are very happy to announce today that we’re strengthening our business ties. The new and extended contracts will utilise AB InBev’s world class distribution network to bring people in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man more choice in the cider category. This partnership will provide our customers in both the on and off-trade with a renowned, complementary portfolio including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Goose, Camden, Magners, Chaplin & Cork’s, Blackthorn and K from AB InBev.”

Oliver Bengough takes 100% ownership of Koko: Oliver Bengough has announced that he has completed the acquisition from Loton Corp of the remaining 50% of shares in Obar Camden Holdings Limited (OCHL), the holding company of Obar Camden Limited, which owns and operates the live music venue Koko in London. Oliver Bengough now owns 100% of OCHL. The purchase was made on 30 November 2016. He said: “This marks a great day for the company and for the future of Koko. The well-being and continued success of this iconic live venue is now secured.” Bengough’s Mint Group also owns and operates Elk Bar in Fulham and the Mommi restaurant, Bison and Bird bar and Infernos live venue and nightclub in Clapham.

Restaurant brands sign for Newcastle scheme: Agent Shelley Sandzer, has acted on behalf of Intu to secure a range of new signings at Intu Eldon Square’s 80,000 sq ft leisure extension Grey’s Quarter in Newcastle. Red’s True BBQ, Smashburger and Chiquito are the latest restaurants to open, taking circa 5,000 square foot, 2,000 square foot and 6,900 square foot sites respectively. They join a line-up including George’s Great British Kitchen, Handmade Burger Co, PizzaStorm, Frankie & Benny’s, Bella Italia, Giraffe, ASK Italian and Crepeffaire, who have all launched as part of the £25 million development that opened on 10 October. Thai fine dining concept Chaophraya, will also be opening this month, followed by The Alchemist and Tapas Revolution launching in early 2017. Amy Counsell, leasing agent at Shelley Sandzer, said: “It has been fantastic to see intu Eldon Square’s Grey’s Quarter evolve and to work alongside intu from the project’s early stages to help bring the strategy to life. With such a strong line up of operators we are thrilled that intu Eldon Square has been re-positioned as Newcastle city centre’s most exciting dining destination.” Kate Grant, regional director at Intu, added: “The response to Grey’s Quarter so far has been incredibly positive and trading has been strong. This is only going to continue with further new openings. We can already see an uplift in footfall at intu Eldon Square and Grey’s Quarter will increase dwell time, developing our strategy to make the centre a destination for shoppers to enjoy more leisure time with us.”