“We welcome the decision by the Competition and Markets Authority and wish to put on record our thanks to them for the thoroughness of their work in recent months.

“The joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s PLC to form the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, unites two historic brewers with shared values, history and heritage, to create a company with a sustainable future in UK brewing.

“Today’s decision is a significant milestone in the formation of the new company, which we believe will create significant value for employees, customers and beer-drinkers in the UK, and we look forward to moving to the next stage on this journey.”

Notes to editors:

• A number of internal and legal processes remain outstanding before the transaction is completed, which we envisage being around the end of October, at which time a further announcement will be made.
• As announced in May, Tomasz Blawat will be Chief Executive Officer of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, with Ralph Findlay, CEO of Marston’s PLC appointed Non-Executive Chairman.
• A copy of the joint venture announcement made in May can be read here.