Matthew Clark Bibendum issues reassurances following C&C deal
Magners owner C&C Group completed the purchase of the Convivality brands earlier this month (4 April), less than 12 hours after officially announcing its intention, with support from AB InBev, to buy Matthew Clark, Bibendum and several subsidiary brands from Convivality.
As a result, C&C now owns 100% of the amalgamated company, which has been renamed Matthew Clark Bibendum and is to operate independently of C&C Group, according to C&C Group CEO Stephen Glancey.
C&C now owns Matthew Clark, Bibendum, Catalyst, Peppermint, Elastic and Walker & Wodehouse, and the company has said the brands are committed to improving service and supply levels for customers.
Back on track
What's happened so far:
- Conviviality warns of going bust as it seeks to secure £125m
- Conviviality files notice to appoint administrators
- Pubs plan as Conviviality goes into administration
- C&C primed to buy Matthew Clark and Bibendum
- Matthew Clark and Bibendum acquired by C&C
- What does C&C's acquisition of Matthew Clark mean for pubs?
It also said all contracts will be upheld and all outstanding supplier payments will be made and scheduled retrospective discount payments will also be honoured.
Matthew Clark and Bibendum commercial director James Lousada apologised for any effect customers may have felt.
He said: “We would like to apologise for the impact on our customers and suppliers over these past weeks and to reassure that we are working closely with partners across all categories to bring stock levels and service back to the excellent standards we hold ourselves to.
“We are all incredibly proud of our business, our priority is to get our service back on track as quickly as possible."
Stronger business
He added: “On behalf of our team across the country, thank you to all of our customers and suppliers for your patience and support.”
C&C Group is working hard to get services back on track and building a stronger business, according to chief operating officer Andrea Pozzi.
He said: “We are thrilled to have acquired these great businesses and I would like to assure you that, with the support of the C&C Group, the teams are working around the clock to not only get our service back on track, but to build a stronger business for the future.”
