Teather & Greenwood has forecast healthy growth for Greene King over the next few years.

Leisure, entertainment and hotels analyst Nigel Popham predicts steady double-digit earnings growth from new acquisitions and organic expansion.

He notes that foot-and-mouth has virtually had no impact on the company's bottom line.

He says the company has shown it is able to integrate acquisitions quickly and efficiently, it is reducing debt quickly and its exposure to the south of the country is beneficial.

Sunday Business 15/05/01 page 27