Greene King gains Scottish foothold with Dalgety deal

Greene King Pub Company has made its first move into Scotland, buying Fife-based Dalgety Taverns for an undisclosed sum. It is the first time that Greene King has operated any pubs north of Scarborough.

The eight-strong estate of pubs will be converted to Greene King's Hungry Horse brand.

All eight pubs were built within the past six years. They will be refurbished and are expected to be operating under the Hungry Horse banner by the end of July.

Managing director of the managed arm of Greene King, Neil Gillis, said: "This is a very significant and strategic move. It makes us truly a national player. We're actually looking for more pubs in Scotland, both individual sites and groups. There's no one really doing food-orientated branded pubs and we think Hungry Horse will do very well up there."

The acquisition takes the number of Hungry Horse pubs to 135, with a projected turnover for the current financial year of £90m. Pre-prepared meals served on 17in-wide oval plates account for 45% of the money taken by the pubs.

Dalgety Taverns' employees are being retained by Greene King at the pubs in Stirling, Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Fife, Livingston and Kirkcaldy.

by Ben Walker