Belhaven, which brews Belhaven Best and distributes Tennent’s and Stella Artois, reached agreement on the deal that will give Greene King "instant scale" in the Scottish market.

The company - which was founded in 1719 and has 270 pubs - will keep its name, brands and brewery following the acquisition by the East Anglia-based brewer and pubs group.

The takeover marks the latest stage in the consolidation of the sector, coming just a month after Greene King completed a £46 million deal for family-run brewer TD Ridley, involving the closure of its brewery.

Earlier in the year, Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries snapped up Lake District brewer and pubs group Jennings Brothers for £67 million.

Greene King, which brews Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale, said being part of a larger group would open up new markets for Belhaven’s products.

Chief executive Rooney Anand said: "It is a unique opportunity for us to gain immediate scale in the important Scottish market."