Punch Pub Company is on the acquisitions trail, looking for freehold pubs in south west Wales.

Deals recently completed include the purchase of the Coopers Arms, Ammanford, the Rhydypennau Inn, Aberystwyth, and the Coopers Arms, Newcastle Emlyn, at a total cost of £570,000. 

Several more acquisitions are due to complete in the coming weeks, including the Fountain Inn, Pontarddulais, and the Bridge Inn, Milford Haven.

But Punch is still on the hunt – and eagle eyed locals can earn themselves a £2,500 bounty if they inform the company of pubs for sale in their area.

Business development manager Angela Donaldson said: “If people tell us about an available pub providing we were not already aware of it and we go on to make a successful purchase they will be able to claim a reward.

“Punch Pub Company is keen to strengthen its portfolio in this region, either by buying properties outright or arranging sale and leaseback deals with freeholders. 

“While we have our own networks in place to find these opportunities, it is often local people, especially those in the trade or regular pub goers, that are first to know when a pub is due to come onto the market. 

“The bounty payout is our way of thanking them for the business lead,” she added.

Punch, based in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, is one of the UK’s largest pub companies with 4,300 outlets nationwide.  All its pubs operate on leasehold and tenancy agreements.

Training and recruitment manager Stuart Plant said the company’s acquisitions drive could lead to some exciting business opportunities for would-be landlords – not least at the Rhydypennau Inn, which is currently available to lease. 

“Whether it is a newcomer trying to break into the licensed trade, or an experienced operator looking for a second outlet, we would urge them to contact Punch to see if we can match up a vacancy.

“We run award winning training schemes and every retailer is assigned a business development manager to help them get the most out of their pub.

“Information on what level of investment is required, plus the latest vacancies, are available on our recruitment website, www.punchpubs.co.uk.”

Bounty hunters should telephone 01283 501 617 to see if they are eligible for a payment.  For information on recruitment and training call 0870 126 1719.

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