Geronimo Inns, the West London-based pub chain, wants to boost its pub estate by possibly buying small pub chains.

The group, formerly known as Malthaven, has nine outlets and a short-term goal of doubling the estate.

But it has set no upper limit on long-term expansion

Geronimo is in the process of borrowing £2m from several banks as a possible "war chest" for buying individual houses to help it achieve its short-term goal.

But expansion could mean founders Rupert and Jo Clevely will have to relinquish some of their 72% shareholding.