Bosham Capital Advisors (BCA) has completed its first deal on behalf of British Country Inns (BCI), which is selling its portfolio of 16 traditional pubs.
Liberation Group has bought two freehold pubs for an undisclosed sum. Both pubs are located in Somerset: the Lime Kiln Inn, Knole and Beambridge, Sampford Arundel.
The BCI group consists of four companies originally financed via the EIS by Smith & Williamson. Chairman of the companies Martin Sherwood is senior partner of Enterprise Investment Partners (EIP), a specialist small cap corporate finance boutique with particular focus on the tax-efficient market, which provides management and investor relations services to the companies.
The Lime Kiln Inn is a traditional 17th century freehouse situated in the village of Knole, just outside Long Sutton and Langport, Somerset. It has been fully restored to its original glory with antique furniture and includes a large dining room and an impressive inglenook fireplace.
The Beambridge Inn is a traditional Inn located near Wellington, Somerset, close to junctions 26 and 27 of the M5. It has been refurbished and provides a blend of a characteristic country pub with eight modern rooms.
Market research undertaken by BCA noted that in 2014 Liberation Group acquired the Butcombe Brewery in Bristol as a platform for expansion in the UK.
Peter Mathews, British Country Inns executive director, says: "Working with BCA, we were able to provide Liberation with two sites which fitted their strategic search criteria of traditional pubs serving good quality food. We are delighted to have completed the sale and are actively marketing other pubs in our portfolio."
Edward Boddington, partner of BCA, says: “This is a landmark moment for BCA as it marks the completion of our first M&A deal in the leisure sector, a market segment in which we have active interest. We have been striving to develop this arm of our business and I am delighted to have closed this initial deal for EIP and BCI.”
Following the transaction British Country Inns will comprise of 14 food-led country inns.
