Carlsberg and Heineken have agreed a joint cash bid of 800 pence sterling a share for Scottish and Newcastle (S&N).
Denmark's Carlsberg and Amsterdam-based Heineken said they had agreed a deal recommended by S&N which valued Britain's biggest brewer and the world's sixth-largest beer maker at £7.8 billion sterling (€10.4 billion).
As a result of the deal, Cork's Beamish & Crawford - which is owned by Scottish & Newcastle - will change hands. Heineken Ireland is based in Cork where it produces Murphy's stout, Heineken and Amstel.
Alf Smiddy, chairman and managing director, Beamish & Crawford said as the deal will take some months to complete the impact on the business was unclear.
Heineken intends to acquire S&N's businesses in UK, Ireland, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, US, and India.
Beamish & Crawford employs 160 permanent employees and produces Beamish stout, Beamish ale and distributes a range of lagers including Miller, Foster's and Carling
Carlsberg and Heineken say the approval of the European Commission and other competition authorities will be required, and it is expected the deal will be completed in the second quarter.