C&C to fold Asahi UK wholesale into Matthew Clark Bibendum
What's the deal? C&C GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has agreed to acquire all of Asahi UKDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s UK wholesale interests, moving the operation into its Matthew Clark BibendumDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → division. The deal value was not disclosed.
What's the endgame? The acquisition expands C&C's distribution networks for the brands, adding scale the drinks group has been seeking. It is expected to make a modest positive financial contribution in the 2027 financial year.
The numbers: The deal accompanied a trading update that C&C said was in line with expectations. Revenues fell as the group exited low-margin contracts, but underlying profits remain on track.
Why now? C&C has faced pressure to strengthen its wholesale operations, and absorbing a rival's UK distribution business offers immediate reach. Folding it into an existing division limits integration friction.
The signal: Consolidation continues across UK drinks distribution as operators chase scale to protect margins. For C&C, buying Asahi's wholesale arm is a bet that a bigger network beats fighting for the same contracts.
