Punch group goes for a fresher image
14 February 2002 by Ben Walker
Punch Retail, the managed pub company, has changed its name to Spirit Group.
Following the acquisition of Allied Domecq's retail estate, Punch Group created two companies: Punch Retail, made up of employee-managed pubs, and Punch Pub Co, consisting of leased pubs.
The new name, which chief executive Karen Jones described as "fresh and distinctive", comes while Punch Group is moving to demerge and float both companies. The flotation of Punch Pub Co is reportedly set to go ahead in March, and Spirit Group is expected to follow.
Spirit Group operates 1,040 managed pubs in Great Britain, including the chains Bar Room Bar, Q's, Two For One and Wacky Warehouse. It employs more than 17,000 people.
