S & N to sell brands.

Scottish & Newcastle has announced that it is open to offers for its regional ale brands, including such Scottish stalwarts as McEwan's Export. New chief executive Tony Froggatt has said he will focus on developing global beer brands such as Foster's, Kronenbourg and Baltika.

Last week S&N's Scottish Courage arm confirmed it is selling its Yorkshire-based Theakston brewery to a family-backed management buy-out. S & N said it would consider similar deals for ale brands like McEwan's, Younger's and Courage.