By Graeme Murray and Gordon Thomson

SCOTLAND'S best-selling lager, Tennent's, was today snapped up by the owner of Magners cider in a £180million deal.

The sale by brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev to Magners owner C&C includes Glasgow's Wellpark Brewery, where Tennent's lager is brewed.

The brewery's 300 staff will transfer to C&C as part of today's agreement, which was backed by union leaders.

Tennent's accounts for 55% of lager sold to Scottish pubs and clubs and around 30% sold to off-licences and supermarkets.

The business being sold is the leading brewer in Scotland by volume and also has the right to produce and sell the Stella Artois brand.

All manufacturing operations are based at the Wellpark Brewery, where Tennent's has been produced since 1777.

Union leaders hope to have talks shortly with the new owners to confirm the brewery's long-term future.

Negotiator Billy Parker, of Unite, said: "We have known for some time that Inbev was keen to sell Wellpark.

"It had been deemed surplus to requirements for the past few years.

"We welcome today's announcement, particularly if it now secures the long-term future of Wellpark and the workforce, which has been decimated over the years.

"This will help ease a lot of worries that workers had about the future.

"There were a lot of fears that the brewery could be closed down."

Mr Parker added: "This looks like good news for Tennent's.

"I now hope to secure an early meeting with high- ranking officials at the C&C Group to confirm they have a long-term strategy for Wellpark."

Springburn MSP Paul Martin said he would be seeking assurances the workers' loyalty would be repaid by the new buyer.

He said: "What's important is that the jobs should be retained by any new owner and the conditions maintained.

"Many of the workers have been there for decades."

C&C chief executive John Dunsmore said Tennent's was a "celebrated brand" and a good fit alongside Magners.

Tennent's sponsors Scotland's football team and the T in the Park festival.