The 150-strong Barracuda pub chain is to be put up for sale by owners PPM Ventures. Speculation suggests that sales details will be sent out this week. The move means that a quarter of all branded High Street pubs will have been on the market in a wave of consolidation. Spirit Group recently said it would sell 220 pubs and bars while property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz is likely to announce that he has bought Yates Group for more than £200m. Once the latter two are consolidated, they could bid for SFI, owners of the Slug and Lettuce chain although former Laurel boss Ian Payne is thought to be poised to make a final £60m offer. Meanwhile Luminar is hoping to offload its Jumpin Jacks and Chicago Rock Café chains. The Mail on Sunday 01/05/05 (Financial Mail) page 5 The Independent on Sunday 01/05/05 (Business) page 11

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