02/02/2021
Marstons receive an unsolicited offer
The BBC has reported that pub giant Marstons has confirmed that it has received an unsolicited offer for the company from US private equity firm Platinum Equity Advisors. Marston's said it was evaluating the proposal with its advisers and a further announcement would be made in due course. Shares in the pub chain jumped almost 20% on the news.
Red Mist Leisure acquires first new site post investment
Hampshire and Surrey based pub company Red Mist Leisure, the Farnham based pub company has acquired their 11th site, adding a 6th pub in Surrey to their established portfolio. The purchase of The Parrot, near Shalford, has been successfully negotiated during national lockdown through Nick Earee at Fleurets. This deal follows reports in the Morning Advertiser that Red Lion Holdings LLP - a joint venture between industry investors David Ramsey, Jason Meyers and leading European real estate private equity investor Revcap - had acquired a majority stake in Red Mist Leisure. RLH has been created as a specialist hospitality investment group that invests in independent boutique pubs and inns.
Private equity giant Blackstone confirms acquisition of Butlin's owner Bourne Leisure
Bourne Leisure - which owns the Butlins, Warner Leisure Hotels and Haven brands - has been sold to Blackstone and whilst the value of the deal has not been disclosed, the deal was previously reported to value the business at about £3 billion, according to Travel Weekly. Blackstone previously invested in Center Parcs and owns Merlin, which has grown to become the world's second largest operator of visitor attractions and theme parks.
Chop'd acquired by retail group Inc Retail
London TV has reported that Chop'd, the locally sourced & sustainable high street eatery has been acquired by Inc Retail. The deal brings together Chop'd and recent acquisition, KNOMO, into the newly expanding retail group. Established in 2004, Chop'd has 13 stores, in Manchester, Leeds & London.
Mercato Metropolitano eyes global expansion as it prepares to launch three new London sites
Food market Mercato Metropolitano is to open three new sites across the capital this year as part of a global £35m expansion plan, according to Big Hospitality.
Shropshire based Rowton Brewery acquires third pub
The Morning Advertiser advises that Telford-based Rowton Brewery has acquired the Wrekin Inn in Wellington, Shropshire, joining the Pheasant , Wellington and the Old Fighting Cocks, Oakengates in the Rowton estate.
St Peter's Brewery bought by group of private investors
Suffolk brewer St Peter's has been sold by original founder John Murphy after 23 years. Drinks Retailing News report that St Peter's, one of the first of the modern wave of British craft brewers and noted for its oval-bottomed, flask-style bottles, has been bought by a team of private investors headed by chief executive Derek Jones, who has held numerous international marketing roles with SAB Miller, Asia Pacific and Molson Coors.
Premier Inn owner to roll out 1,000 electric driving charging points
According to Business Traveller, Premier Inn's owner Whitbread has announced a new partnership with utility firm Engie to roll out up to 1,000 electric driving charging points at its UK properties.
And Finally...
Sky News report that the Contactless card payment limit could be increased to £100. It was previously raised from £30 to £45 last April at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.