Marco Pierre White acquires Maypole Group

Marco Pierre White, the high-profile chef and restaurateur, has completed the acquisition of the Maypole Group, the operator of six rural inns, out of administration for an undisclosed sum.

Maypole fell into administration in October after Clydesdale bank demanded the immediate repayment of its loans. It was delisted from the Alternative Investment Market lat the end of last year.

It operates the Lifeboat and Old Coach House, Thornham, Norfolk; the Angel Hotel, Lavenham, Suffolk; Wayford Bridge Inn, Stalham, Norfolk; the Pear Tree Inn, Whitley, Wiltshire; and the Bridge Inn, Norwich.

Pierre White emerged as the frontrunner for the group at the turn of the year. The Maypole sites are likely to operate as part of White's joint venture with independent pub company Powder Train.

Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP handled the administration process. It said that White was one of 20 parties who had expressed an interest in the group.

Simon Bower of Baker Tilly said: "This is a fantastic outcome which secures the continuity of the group."