Regulators have cleared Heineken Ireland's proposed partnership with Comans Beverages, the drinks distributor owned by the well-known publican family.

Heineken subsidiary Western Beverages recently agreed a joint-venture deal with Comans partly designed to unify the brewing giant's draught keg distribution business into a single unit.

Yesterday the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission cleared the deal, paving the way for it to go ahead. The size of the businesses involved meant that the parties had to notify the commission of the proposed deal and get its approval before it could be completed.

The commission said it believed “the proposed transaction will not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State”.

It is understood that the Comans will own more than half the joint venture. Their Tallaght-based distributor is focused on Dublin. Geoff Coman will run the business, which will have more than 100 employees.