Punch/Heineken disposals revealed

11 Jul 2017

The full list of 30 pubs to be sold to assuage competition concerns over Heineken’s proposed acquisition of 1,900 Punch pubs has been revealed.

The Competition and Markets Authority said that the measures would resolve its issues over a loss of competition in 33 areas.

The targeted disposals are divided evenly between Heineken’s existing pub vehicle, Star Pubs & Bars, and the Punch A portfolio.

They are mainly located in the north of England, Midlands and Scotland, although there is one site in Wales, and a handful in the south east. The 30 sites are all freehold.

The pubs include the Fleece in Addingham, west Yorkshire, which was recently taken on by Seafood Pub Company.

The CMA said it expected the sites to sell relatively quickly because they are all ”largely stand-alone businesses, are saleable and likely to continue in operation as a going concern”.

A Heineken spokesman said: “We welcome confirmation from the CMA that only a small number of pubs are required to be sold. It’s a sensible outcome and good news for pub-goers across the UK who will see the benefit of well invested pubs in their communities. We will immediately start to communicate with our existing licensees affected by this decision.”

A Punch spokesperson told MCA that the company had contacted all licensees individually to inform them of the announcement.

The portfolio is being marketed by CBRE.

The full list of pubs is:

1314 Inn, Stirling, Star

Anvil Inn, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Star

Bells Bar, Glasgow, Star

The Bird Inn, Washington, Tyne and Wear, Punch

Bulls Head, East Leake, Loughborough, Star

Bush Inn, Silverdale, Staffordshire, Star

The Coach & Horses, Hexham, Northumberland, Punch

The County Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland, Punch

The Falcon, Prudhoe, Northumberland, Punch