Bass buys German bar chain

Bass Leisure Retail (BLR) has expanded its pub market outside of the UK for the first time by buying a chain of German bars.

The Birmingham-based company plans to test the continental market through the 19-strong Alex Group in north-west Germany.

Bass spokesman Mark Rigby said: "Although this is a very small acquisition for us, it will give us a view into the market.

"The medium to long-term aim would be to slowly expand, particularly in other parts of north Germany, building on the existing distribution."

Plans for an All Bar One in Germany have not materialised.

Bass group has already broken into international markets, particularly its hotel operations, making it less dependent on the UK economy.

Accommodation helped to boost the group's performance over the four months to February, according to chairman Sir Ian Prosser.

Turnover for BLR's 1,530 managed pubs and restaurants, including All Bar One and O'Neill's, rose four per cent because of a 11 per cent jump in food and a one per cent climb in wet sales.

Bass' beer volumes fell four per cent but Sir Ian said "significant cost reductions", which have already included job cuts, would continue.