Liberation Group acquires 2 sites from OHH Pub Company

The acquisition aligns with Butcombe’s long-term strategy to grow its presence in the West Country via the acquisition of high quality, predominantly freehold pubs able to support a premium, food-led offering with accommodation.

“We are delighted to welcome these fantastic pubs to the Butcombe side of the family,” said Liberation Group chief executive Jonathan Lawson.

He added: “These two new sites are a great fit for us, both geographically and operationally and they offer an exciting opportunity for us to deliver our award-winning food, drink and hospitality experience to locals and visitors alike.”

An exciting start

Butcombe will incorporate the sites and their employees into its existing portfolio and intends to invest substantial capital not both of the venues to support future growth.

Lawson said Liberation Group looked forward to welcoming the teams on board and working with them to implement the business’ ambitions.

“Thanks to OHH Company, headed up by Mark Warburton, they’re both well established and popular local pubs with excellent reputations,” he concluded.

Future plans

Earlier this month, The Morning Advertiser ​caught up with Liberation Group managing director Jayson Perfect to discuss the firm’s future plans, after the group took home titles of Best Accommodation Operator, Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) and Best Premium Food Offer at this year’s Publican Awards.​

“We like acquiring businesses, we think the industry is a buoyant place the moment and everybody's looking at a lot of things,” said Perfect.​

He continued: “We see some lovely individual sites on occasions that we would love to add to the portfolio so we explore opportunities all the time.

“As a strategy for ourselves and our private equity guys, Caledonia, we would want to expand the business for sure.”