News round-up

S&N bid shortlist

At least five groups are understood to have been shortlisted last week from more than 10 indicative bids for Scottish & Newcastle's managed pub, restaurant and budget hotel business. The group said strict confidentiality rules forbade it from revealing either the number or the names of the bidders. However, the list is believed to include Mitchells & Butlers; Pubmaster with BC Partners; Laurel Pub Company; French venture capitalist PAI Management; and the Spirit Group, possibly in concert with Texas Pacific Group, CVC Capital Partners and Cinven.

We're having a ball

Don't miss out on your chance to attend the Hospitality Action Orient-Express Ball on Friday 5 September at the Le Méridien Grosvenor House hotel, London. The evening will begin with a Champagne reception followed by a gourmet journey through England, France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, culminating in a grand masked ball. Why not join in the fun while supporting Hospitality Action? Tickets are £150 each or £1,500 for a table of 10. For more details please contact Rachelle Breaden on 020 8652 8385 or via e-mail at rachelle.breaden@rbi.co.uk.