Innis and Gunn Acquired by C&C Group
C&C Group has officially acquired Innis and Gunn for £4.5 million, a move that comes as the craft brewery was brought out of administration on March 6, 2026. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the landscape of the craft beer industry in Scotland.
The immediate impact of this acquisition is substantial, as it will lead to the closure of Innis and Gunn’s brewery and taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, resulting in the loss of more than 100 jobs. Dougal Gunn Sharp, the founder of Innis and Gunn, expressed deep regret 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.”
Prior to the acquisition, Innis and Gunn had been facing financial difficulties, reporting a loss of £747,000 for the year ending March 31, 2025. C&C Group, which has been a minority shareholder and brewing partner for Innis and Gunn since 2010, intends to fully absorb the Innis and Gunn brand into its existing infrastructure.
Roger White, CEO of C&C Group, remarked on the acquisition, saying, “We have worked with Innis and Gunn for many years and whilst it’s under difficult circumstances, we are delighted to bring the brand fully into our portfolio.” He further emphasized the strategic nature of the acquisition, describing it as “a compelling and highly synergistic opportunity to save a well-loved brand for which we currently brew most of the product.”
Innis and Gunn was founded in 2003 and has enjoyed a steady rise in success since its inception. However, the recent financial results indicate a challenging environment for the brewery, which had a planned production capacity of 37,500 hectolitres at its Perth brewhouse.
As C&C Group moves forward with the integration of Innis and Gunn, the broader implications for the craft beer market in Scotland will be closely watched. The acquisition is expected to make a small positive contribution to C&C Group’s overall financial performance in FY27.
While this outcome is not what any of us hoped for, Dougal Gunn Sharp expressed relief that the brand has found a home with C&C Group, stating, “While this outcome is not what any of us hoped for, I’m glad the brand has found a home with C&C Group.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the closure of the brewery and the affected locations.