Name change for Wolves & Dudley

Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries has announced it is to change the name of the company to Marston's PLC.

The move will be effective from 8th January 2007, if approved by shareholders.

Along with the change of Company name, its trading divisions will become Marston's Beer Company (formerly WDB Brands); Marston's Inns and Taverns (managed pubs, formerly Pathfinder Pubs); and Marston's Pub Company (tenanted and leased pubs, formerly The Union Pub Company).

Our new name reflects the fact that we have become a national business in recent years​Ralph Findlay, chief executive.

Commenting on the name change Ralph Findlay, chief executive, said: "Our new name reflects the fact that we have become a national business in recent years.​

"It will also enable us to promote more clearly to our customers across the whole business our traditional values and the product and service quality associated with the Marston's brand.

Marston's is one of the strongest beer brands in the UK with its growth being supported over recent years by increased marketing investment, including becoming the 'Official Beer of England' through our sponsorship of the England and Wales Cricket Board."

W&DB operates 2,352 pubs across England and Wales, and three breweries (Marston's brewery in Burton Upon Trent, Banks's brewery in Wolverhampton and Jennings brewery in the Lake District).

W&DB is the UK's largest brewer of cask ale, with beer brands including Marston's Pedigree, Banks's and Mansfield brands and Jennings Cumberland Ale.

The Company head office will remain in Wolverhampton. The brewing operations are not affected by this proposed name change.

The new identity will be effective from 8th January 2007, subject to shareholder approval at an EGM on 8th January 2007.