C&C Group plc, the Dublin-based manufacturer, marketer and distributor of beer and hard cider brands including Woodchuck and Hornsby’s, has acquired the remaining 50 percent stake in Wallaces Express, Scotland's largest wine and spirits wholesaler. The deal will offer enhanced service and increased value for the independent on-trade across Scotland, the companies say. The move to acquire the business outright follows C&C Group's purchase of a 50 percent stake in the business in March 2013.

Wallaces Express will be branded as Wallaces TCB, and the new business will seek more opportunities to deliver a full-portfolio offering to the Scottish independent on-trade, providing ongoing support to their customers across Scotland, the companies say.

"Since taking a 50 percent stake in Wallaces Express a year ago, we have worked to provide our customers with a one-stop shop for all their alcoholic and soft drinks needs as part of our strategy of developing a multi-beverage platform in the Scottish drinks market,” said John Gilligan, managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, which is part of C&C Group, in a statement. ”Our decision to acquire the business outright represents further investment by C&C in Scotland and is the latest stage of our plans to put customers at the heart of our support for the independent on-trade. We plan to grow the business further, finding more opportunities for cross-selling to our customers, particularly in wines and spirits and soft drinks."

Brian Calder, managing director of Wallaces Express, added: "Having entered into the partnership with C&C Group last year, I am pleased for our staff and customers that we have been able to take this to the next stage. We look forward to continuing to provide an unbeatable service to our customers as part of C&C Group."