Punch Taverns rebrands pub operations

In a surprise move Punch Taverns has changed the names of its managed and tenanted businesses.

The pubco's managed operation, formerly known as Spirit Group, is to be renamed the Punch Pub Company.

The group's leased arm will be re-monikered Punch Partnerships.

According to an internal email, Punch told its staff that the new name for the leased business "reflects the nature of the relationship we want to have with our leased partners, one that is transparent, open and honest".

The managed pub operation name change "represents a positive step to forge a new identity and purpose for the business".

The changes, which came into effect last week, were a "simplification" of the business, according to a spokesman.

The name changes had "not cost a lot of money", the spokesman added, and were timed to coincide with moves to new head offices in Burton on Trent, which is home to the Punch group.

The pubco said the name Punch Taverns was being retained as its group identity.