Noble House in Old English takeover talks

Noble House Leisure, headed by Robert Breare, is in talks with Old English Inns about a possible takeover, sources close to the talks have confirmed.

Breare's company, fresh from its involvement in a failed bid to take control of Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, is one of those in the frame to take over the troubled group.

Old English said that it was in preliminary talks "which may or may not lead to a possible offer" being made. The company, which manages 129 rural and city pubs, has been vulnerable to a takeover since June, when it reported a £3m drop in full-year profits to £2.8m.

City analysts have suggested that Greene King and Enterprise Inns may also be interested in Old English.

Breare declined to comment on Noble House's interest in Old English, but said: "We are looking at a number of things that fit our strategy and where the price is right."