Punch sells nine pubs to Charles Wells

Punch has sold nine pubs to Charles Wells for an undisclosed sum.

The pubs are based across Warwickshire, Essex and Hertfordshire and the deal is expected to complete on Tuesday 30 June.

It's the latest bunch of pubs to be sold by Punch, which has recently sold sites to other regional brewers including Shepherd Neame and Fuller's.

It brings the total number of pubs bought by Bedford-based Charles Wells to 26 in the past six weeks.

Charles Wells Pub Company sales and marketing director Peter Wells said: "It's our expressed intention to complete the purchase of at least 30 pubs by the end of September and this latest agreement with Punch Taverns brings us closer to our stated aim.

"We've been very pleased with how smoothly the pubs from our previous deal have been integrated into our award winning estate and are thrilled that we've identified a further nine high quality pubs that complement our operational model.

"They reflect our commitment to invest in properties and operators with the customer service and retail skills to deliver a great pub experience. That's what will guarantee they remain sustainable businesses in any market conditions.

"Whilst the pubs are within our existing trading area, they will strengthen our presence in a number of regions and we look forward to meeting retailers and their consumers in the forthcoming weeks."

Charles Wells is inviting licensees from the newly-acquired pubs to meet the directors and support team within the next month to show how it will help boost trade.

The acquisition brings the number of Charles Wells leased and tenanted pubs to 260.