What the Sunday papers said

The Observer

Real ale, supposedly the drink of ageing beardies, is achieving the same cachet today as lager did in the 1980s, according to pub operators Six Continents and Spirit, the managed pub company demerged from punch Pub Co. Both companies are piloting cask ales a new breed of young drinkers. Spirit is resurrecting the Firkin brand it inherited from Allied Domecq. It is on site with three Firkins and has earmarked a further 40.

The Sunday Telegraph​

In an interview with Ted Tuppin - entitled 'Suppin with Tuppin' - the Enterprise boss says that he has bought the Nomura pubs at a discount. "The consortium we put together has got a very good deal. This is such a good price that I can offer my venture capital partners a good return over two years….the pubs will generate £150m in cash, in that time, and they [is equity partners will make £150m profit." Anyone who bought Enterprise shares 18 months ago at 330p will now be sitting on a huge 130 per cent gain. The shares hit 786.5p on Friday,

After years of churches being converted into pubs, the Church of England is planning to turn the Fellbrigg pub in Sheffield into a place of worship. Avebury Taverns has accepted an offer from the Sheffield diocese but it has angered tenants Ian and Tracy Nelson and their customers, who have launched a campaign.

Cadbury Schweppes is close to a $100m deal to buy Nantucket Nectars, the US fruit juice brand that is 80 per cent owned by Ocean Spray. Cadbury is keen to add a premium fruit juice brand to its soft drinks portfolio.

The Sunday Times​

Pub deals have inflated buyout figures in the three months to March, to suggest the first signs of recovery. Deal values were nearly £2bn higher than the previous quarter and totalled £3.65bn. This follows the £2bn Cinven backed buyout of the Unique and Voyager pub groups by Enterprise Inns last week.

The business diary reports that three of Britain's pub companies, including Punch Pub Company, have held secret meetings to discuss the business opportunities that could become available if cannabis were legalised.

The Football League is threatening to sue ITV Digital for up to £500m in its fight with the digital television station. Last week ITV Digital said it could not afford to pay the £180m it owes the league and offered £50m instead. The additional £320m in the threatened legal action relates to commercial income that could be lost if the games are no longer shown on television.

The Business​

Enterprise Inns' market value rose by £100m following the £2bn deal to buy Nomura's pub interests. The deal benefited all parties, skilfully managing the conflicting demands of Nomura's desire for a quick exit against Enterprise shareholders' need for consultation before the company embarked on such a huge cash call.

Gamblers will be able to drink alcohol at roulette and card tables under plans to be unveiled by the government this week. Other measures include the stripping away of decades-old strict gaming laws to allow gambling resorts to develop with Blackpool set to lead the way as a British-style Las Vegas.

The Mail on Sunday​

The Mail also reflects on the Enterprise take over of the Nomura pub businesses but says that even though the ink is barely dry, Ted Tuppen is already looking to do the next deal, such as rumoured interest in Morrells, the Oxford-based brewer and pub operator.

The Sunday Express​

SFI has called time on its expansion as it integrates its Parisa Café acquisition. The operator has achieved strong earnings growth in the past five years but the pressure has built up on its balance sheet. Unless it makes disposals it may need to raise equity funds for further acquisitions. The shares look inexpensive at 196.5p.