Wetherspoon's in row over deal

A property agent and JD Wetherspoon have vowed never to work with each other again after a dispute over a pub deal.

Wetherspoon's has pulled out of buying the Two Bears in Great Yarmouth because it believes the vendor, Great Yarmouth Properties, is associated with selling agent Stephen Matthews.

Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, said: "I read the estate agent's particulars and did not understand from this wording, since it is not in my opinion clear, that [Stephen Matthews director] Mr Shefras and his partners were the directors of Great Yarmouth Properties."

At the end of the property particulars it states: "In accordance with current estate agency legislation the partners of this practice declare an interest in the property."

In a statement, Stephen Matthews said: "The property particulars clearly stated that the directors have an interest in the property, fully complying with current estate agency legislation, a fact which has been confirmed in writing by JD Wetherspoon plc's agents, Abbeybridge."

"The required statement can only be understood in one way and we do not see what point Mr Martin, with whom we have had no direct contact, is trying to make.

"We will not be dealing with JD Wetherspoon plc again. Why this story is deemed newsworthy we do not know."

Wetherspoon's is currently preparing for an unrelated legal battle with its former property adviser, Van de Berg.

In January it issued a High Court writ against Van De Berg, claiming damages and compensation that may total more than £5m.