Mark McQuater's Barracuda Group has entered the battle for the Pitcher & Piano chain of 33 pubs.

There are thought to be six other bidders for the chain, which is being sold off by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries.

Rivals are believed to include SFI Group and Regent Inns, as well as several venture capital firms.

The Mail on Sunday20/05/01 page 13 (Financial Mail)