Pubs get advisory service

The new initiative aims to give companies a one-stop shop of advisory services. This joint initiative has been prompted by the increased number of property portfolios of pub companies considering M&A activity. In many circumstances these companies require both corporate finance advice and specialist property services, such as valuations and landlord negotiations. Currently there is no adviser that can provide both.

Commenting on the joint initiative, Henry Wells, a managing director at Close Brothers, said: “Critical factors for pub companies considering M&A activity can range from ensuring access to the right investors to finding the right buyers. With the property portfolios many of these companies have we are increasingly seeing new entrants being drawn into the sector. This new joint offering will ensure pub groups are getting the advice they need to maximise the opportunities being presented.”

Close Brothers and Fleurets have historically jointly advised companies including Pubmaster, McMullens, Youngs and Yates.