The Irish Distillers-owned subsidiary BWG Group has acquired the entire share capital of Goodwins of Hanley Limited in Stoke. The British firm is a member of the Key Lekkerland Group. It has an annual turnover of £78.7 million (100 million) and is a significant acquisition, but BWG refused to state the purchase price.

The acquisition is part of BWG's strategy to develop its business in Britain from its Irish base. BWG has recently also completed acquisitions in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

BWG chief executive Mr Leo Crawford said yesterday that the move showed the company's acquisition programme in Britain continued to accelerate, following the purchase of Belvue and Renton in Scotland and Knox and Barrs in Northern Ireland.

Mr Jon Goodwin, joint managing director of Goodwins, said that being part of BWG would undoubtedly result in synergies for the two companies. BWG is ultimately owned by Pernod Ricard, which owns Irish Distillers.