Orchid Group to buy 150 pubs over next two years

Orchid Group, the privately-backed managed pub operator which recently acquired the Premium Bars & Restaurants business, is looking to add a further 50 pubs to its estate this year.

Additionally the group's Parkmill Pub Management (PPM) operation is looking to buy another 100 pubs in 2011.

PPM's managing director Magnus Wilson said he would be looking at "small groups as well as individual pubs" as part of his search.

"Pubs are closing in record numbers, but we believe our success proves that many of these great locals can be turned around rather than simply written off," Wilson said.

"With the right passion, vision and investment we can revitalise pubs which might otherwise shut their doors for good," he added.

Recent acquisitions by PPM have been turned into Orchid's value and premium carvery formats, a strategy the group said had proved highly successful.

Rufus Hall, Orchid's chief executive, said: "The strength of our formats is that they are flexible enough to preserve the character of an individual pub, but robust enough to ensure that the businesses are well-run, successful and have strong customer appeal.

"This is an important and exciting period of growth for Orchid. We have already demonstrated that our approach can revitalise pubs in a diverse range of locations and trading styles.

"Following our acquisition of Premium Bars & Restaurants the end of 2009, and the launch of Parkmill at the beginning of this year, we've never been in a stronger position to ramp up our acquisition programme."