​Punch Pubs Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of 14 New Sites

Punch Pubs & Co has expanded its portfolio by acquiring 14 new pubs from the real estate investment company Aprirose. This recent purchase adds to the company's extensive collection of over 1,300 establishments, solidifying its position as a significant player in the UK pub industry.

The newly acquired sites, previously operated by Blackrose Pubs, are spread across England, further enhancing Punch's national presence. The company's growth strategy continues to gain momentum following its earlier acquisition of 24 pubs from the Milton Three group, which operates the Wear Inns portfolio. Over the past year, Punch has added more than 50 pubs to its estate, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its footprint nationwide.

Stephen Allen, Group Property Director at Punch, expressed the company's enthusiasm for the new additions: "We look forward to investing in these pubs and supporting them with our industry-leading resources, ensuring their long-term success." His statement highlights Punch's focus on long-term growth and operational support for its newly acquired venues.

Aprirose, in partnership with its investors, initially purchased the pubs five years ago. This transaction marks another shift in the dynamic UK pub market, which has seen significant changes in ownership and investment over the past decade.

Punch Pubs & Co has undergone ownership changes, having been acquired by Fortress Investment Group, a US-based investor owned by Japan's SoftBank, in December 2021. The company continues to evolve, recently appointing three strategic advisors to its board, including Dame Karen Jones, a well-known hospitality sector figure currently serving as a non-executive director at Whitbread and Mowgli.

The leadership of Punch is also transitioning. Clive Chesser, Punch's Chief Executive, is set to leave the company this month to lead the Pure Gym Group. He will be succeeded by Andy Spencer, the current Chief Operating Officer, who will step into the Chief Executive role on 27 September.

The newly acquired pubs are located in key cities and towns across the country, including:

- The Anchor, Bexley

- Shield & Dagger, Bristol

- The Auction House, Coventry

- The Lochside, Newcastle upon Tyne

- Vesper Gate, Leeds

- The Claro Beagle, Harrogate

- The North Camp, Farnborough

- The Village Inn, Swindon

- The Vine, Uxbridge

- The Wheatsheaf, Camberley

- The Fox, Cambridge

- The Woodlands, St. Helens

- Game Cock Inn, Blackburn

- The Royal Oak, Bolton

These new sites present Punch Pubs with a further opportunity to bolster its already diverse estate, offering a variety of locations and customer experiences across the UK. As the company continues to grow, its focus on long-term investment and strategic development remains a core part of its business model.