Scottish and Newcastle's Courage brand of ales has been bought by another brewer, it was announced yesterday.

Wells and Young's Brewing Company, created in October last year as a subsidiary of Young and Co Brewery, has bought Courage for an undisclosed fee.

Under the agreement with Scottish and Newcastle (S&N), a company has been formed, called Courage Brands, which will be 83 per cent owned by Wells and Young's (W&Y). S&N will retain the remaining 17 per cent.

W&Y will manage the Courage portfolio, which includes Courage Best Bitter, Directors, Courage Mild and Courage Light Ale.