Brains bolsters its spread in Wales

SA Brain has strengthened its presence in west Wales with the purchase of 27 pubs from Cardigan-based Innkeeper Wales for an undisclosed sum.​​

This takes the Cardiff-based brewer and pubco's estate to over 250 pubs and adds a further 25 freeholds to its portfolio, along with 130 rooms.

The new pubs are spread throughout west Wales, with several in the towns of Brecon, Abergavenny and Penarth. Brains' plans to invest in upgrading the estate and will be introducing its range of Welsh ales.

In addition to its Welsh stronghold, the company's estate also spills over the border with a clutch of pubs located in West Country towns including Bristol, Bath and Malmesbury.

Brains chief executive Scott Waddington said: "This deal is strategically an excellent fit with our ambition to consolidate our position as the leading drinks and hospitality company in Wales."

Innkeeper's chief executive Nick Laing, who built up the estate as part of a broader property portfolio, said he had decided to sell to Brains both because of its strong Welsh credentials and to protect his staff.

"The reason I sold to Brains rather than one of the property-based companies like Enterprise is because they are a brewer and pub company with a good track record in the community," he added. "I wanted to ensure my staff would be in good hands."

Mr Laing retains two pubs and says he is looking forward to a quieter life.