BWG, the food distribution subsidiary of Irish Distillers, in a further expansionist move, has acquired the Yeovil-based T&A Symonds, a member of the Key Lekkerland group. This follows the purchase of Goodwins of Hanley at the beginning of the year. Goodwins is also a member of the Key Lekkerland Group. The consideration has not been disclosed but Symonds has an annual turnover of €110 million (£86.6 million). Mr Leo Crawford, chief executive of BWG, said the acquisition was in line with the company's strategy of establishing its base in Britain. "We now operate three subsidiaries in England and a further two in Scotland". Mr Alan Symonds, chairman and managing director of Symonds (he will continue to hold these roles), said: "Being part of BWG with a turnover in excess of €1 billion (£790 million) will undoubtedly bring benefits to both organisations".

BWG's ultimate parent is Groupe Pernod Ricard. It holds the Mace franchise for Northern Ireland and shares the franchise in the Republic - it runs the franchise in Leinster while the franchise is owned by Punches in Munster and by Mangans in Connaught. It also has the Spar franchise in the Republic and in the south-west of England.