Just six weeks after beginning to remarket 150 of its pubs, Enterprise Inns has completed new lease agreements on several of the outlets.
The pub company has teamed up with licensed property agent Fleurets to remarket the pubs for lease to new and existing licensees.
Fleurets held two open house viewing days in each of the pubs during April which attracted a large amount of interest.
Now, just six weeks after the process started, there are 18 licensees with new lease agreements who are already in place and are running the pubs.
Nearly 700 people registered their interest in the pubs at the open days and Enterprise Inns' regional managers are currently evaluating the remaining applications.
Gordon Harrison, operations director at Enterprise Inns, said: "The marketing of these 150 pubs for lease has gone very well as evidenced by the fact that less than a week after the closing date for applications we already have 18 new lease agreements finalised with the licensees installed and running the pubs.
"Enquiries have come in from across the UK both from experienced licensees, many of whom already have pubs and want to build on their success, and from those new to the trade who are seeking a good viable business proposition. Overall the calibre of the applicants has been strong and very encouraging."
Although the application period has now officially closed, Yaser Martini of Fleurets said anyone still interested should contact the agent.
"Although we are delighted with the response to date, there are still a number of pubs available of various types and size and we are keen to hear from anyone interested in any of the remaining properties," he said. "We will also be contacting those viewers who have not yet followed up with applications to see if they want to take things further."
The response to the remarketing has been particularly good in certain areas. In London, regional manager Paul Black said there had been "phenomenal interest" in the Finborough Arms in West Brompton and the Mitre in Fulham.
"Fleurets has attracted exactly the kind of high-quality licensees I was looking for," he said. "I am confident the pubs will be let to licensees who have a genuine intent to develop them to their maximum potential - with the possibility of future opportunities within the Enterprise estate."
Anyone interested in the pubs should contact any of the Fleurets offices around the country.
Pictured: The Mitre in Fulham, London, has had 'phenomenal' interest
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High level of interest as Enterprise remarkets 150 outlets (9 May 2002)