UK: Hartlepool-based Camerons acquired nine new pubs for £5.3 million

A brewer and bar operator has bought nine new pubs in a £5.3 million deal and bosses say it is on target to double in size to running 100 sites within a year, The Journal published November 24.

Hartlepool-based Camerons currently owns 45 tenanted pubs across the region and produces 500,000 barrels a year generating £70 million of sales from its Lions Brewery.

"We are one of the largest regional breweries in the UK and our expanding pub portfolio means we are becoming a leading player in the tenanted pub sector," said Brian Morton, Camerons’ acquisitions director.

"Because we own our own means of production, unlike Punch Taverns and Enterprise, we don't rely on outside brewers and can supply beers both contracted or our own brands to our own satisfaction."

Despite the rapid growth Mr Morton said that Camerons is still only running at about 60% capacity.

24 November, 2006