Newstalk has learned that Heineken Ireland is in discussions that may lead to the acquisition of partial takeover of Comans Wholesale, one of the country’s leading drinks distribution businesses.

Industry sources suggest that any full takeover of Comans Wholesale could cost Heineken in the region of €25m.

Comans, which is principally owned by Geoff and Tom Coman of the well-known, Rathgar-based family of publicans distributes a wide range of beers, wines and ciders to pubs, supermarkets and off-licences around the country including Dutch Gold, Prazsky and Druids.

It operates from a major distribution depot off of the M50 near Tallaght and employs some 130 people.

Heineken already has a close working relationship with Comans, whose subsidiary companies supply draft Heineken and Murphys beer to the nation’s pubs. 

The takeover talks are understood to have been triggered in part by the launch of Heineken’s new cider, Orchard Thieves as one of Coman’s competing distribution companies, Gleesons, is now owned by C&C, makers of rival Bulmers cider products.

A spokesman for Heineken has declined to comment on whether the company is in talks with the wholesaler.