The full integration of the Bass and Tennent's businesses into Interbrew UK has begun after the UK competition authorities approved the sale of Carling Brewers to the Adolph Coors Company.
The addition of the Bass businesses in Scotland and Ireland, and the Bass and Tennent's brands as well as distribution of Staropramen will give Interbrew UK a volume share of around 20 per cent of UK beer sales - making it the number two brewer in the UK beer market, and number one in Scotland, with a 39.3 per cent share.
Allan Tudor, sales director for the on-trade at Interbrew UK, said: "The Bass and Tennent's brands are a good fit with the current Interbrew UK brand portfolio, while the businesses in Scotland and Ireland will give us a broader geographical spread and an ideal platform for developing the business."
A total of 734 employees will be joining the Interbrew UK business - 394 from the Bass business in Scotland, 285 from Northern Ireland and 55 from the Republic of Ireland.
Draught Bass Ale will continue to be brewed in Burton, while the businesses in Scotland and Ireland will continue to operate as Tennent Caledonian Breweries, Bass Ireland and Tennents Ireland respectively.
"Our immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition as the brands are incorporated into the Interbrew UK supply chain," added Mr Tudor.
Stewart Gilliland will become the chief executive of Interbrew UK and Ireland with Bob MaGee remaining as managing director of Bass Ireland.