UK: Hardys & Hansons came under the bid spotlight

Hardys & Hansons, the 174-year-old Nottingham brewer and pub operator, became the latest regional brewer to come under the bid spotlight after the company confirmed that it had received a number of approaches. Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, Greene King, and possibly Punch Taverns were tipped as leading contenders to buy the company, says the Times.

Concern is growing over the present instability of financial markets among senior officials at the Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve.

Hardys & Hansons is one of the most successful independent brewers in the country, and remains a family business, with non-executive family members remaining on the board. Operating a sizeable estate of over 250 pubs, the brewer sells high quality food and drinks, including its own locally brewed ales.

Traditional techniques and natural ingredients are used in the brewing process, combined with modern quality control methods to produce our respected brands. These are Hardys & Hansons Olde Trip, COOL, DARK, Best Bitter and Mild as well as a variety of guest ales.

Hardys & Hansons owns public houses mostly in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire and employs around 2000 people.

14 June, 2006