US hedge fund adds to Punch stake

Glenview Capital, the US-based hedge fund, is rebuilding its interest in Punch Taverns, raising its stake in the pub group twice in a week. The...

Glenview Capital, the US-based hedge fund, is rebuilding its interest in Punch Taverns, raising its stake in the pub group twice in a week.

The fund, led by Larry Robbins, increased its voting rights to 13%, comprised of 2% in shares and 11% in financial instruments. Glenview raised its interest above 10% last Friday.

The company reduced its interest to 8% in December 2009, when the shares were down at 65p. Glenview has gradually raised its stake during 2010.

Another large hedge fund, GLG, has also raised its stake in Punch above 3%.

It is thought that investors are attracted to Punch's shares as a proxy for backing rising UK consumer confidence.