AN Irvine-based wines and spirits wholesaler has been taken over by the owners of Tennent’s lager.

Wallaces Express, based in North Newmoor Industrial Estate, is Scotland’s largest independent wines and spirits wholesaler, employing 296 people across six distribution centres.

It was announced last week that C&C Group, the company behind behind Tennent’s lager and Magners cider, has bought the remaining 50 per cent stake in the business. It will be branded as Wallaces TCB, with the current management team, led by Brian Calder and Chris Cosh, remaining in day-to-day charge.

C&C Group initially bought half the wholesaler in March 2013 in a move which it said was in line with its plan to build a ‘multi-beverage platform’ in the Scottish drinks market.

John Gilligan, managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, which is part of C&C Group, said: “Since taking a 50 per cent 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.

“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.” Wallaces was established in Ayr in 1875 before evolving into a drinks wholesaler in the 1980s.

It operates distribution depots in Irvine, Coatbridge, Dumfries, Lanark, Kintore and Inverness.