Camra slams S&N deal

Related tags Real ale Beer Camra

Camra slams S&N deal
The Campaign for Real Ale has slammed Scottish & Newcastle's decision to sell to Carlsberg & Heineken

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has slammed Scottish & Newcastle's (S&N) decision to sell to Carlsberg & Heineken.

Camra said the deal would limit consumer choice and is seeking urgent reassurances over the future of S&N's real ale interests.

It wants the European Commission to carry out an in-depth review of the effect on consumer choice.

"The inevitable result of consolidation is brewery closures, brand losses and less choice for Britain's consumers,"​ said Camra chief executive Mike Benner.

"The deal raises many questions for real ale drinkers in the UK. What impact will this have on traditional real ales such as John Smiths and smaller regional brands such as Magnet?

"We will be seeking reassurances from the new owners that they will invest in their real ale brands and breweries to meet the demands of today's beer drinkers who are increasingly demanding real ale."

Camra is also concerned about the impact the takeover could have on WaverleyTBS, a major distributor of real ales, the contract brewing of Theakston's Best Bitter and its 30% stake in the Caledonian Brewing Company.

"S&N was the last remaining major brewer in British hands and the deal is unlikely to show any benefits for consumers,"​ said Camra director of breweries campaigning Bob Stukins. "This is a sad day for British brewing."

Job losses

Trade Union Unite is to seek assurances from Heineken of its plans for S&N's UK operations.

"Heineken has no UK brewing capacity so there is no duplication with S&N which strengthens the position of our members,"​ said Unite's Brian Revell.

"We have already contacted the chairman of Heineken, Mr. van Boxmer, and will now be pressing him for a meeting to secure a range of commitments relating to the job security of our members. He has already given us assurances on quality retirement benefits."

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