Wolverhampton & Dudley shareholders vote for name change to Marston's

Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries' shareholders have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of the company's name change to Marston's.

W&D said in December that the change would reflect its expansion into a national pub player in recent years through several acquisitions and the growth of its Marston's beer brand.

It ends 116 years of trading as Wolverhampton & Dudley.

Company chairman David Thompson said: "This change of name reflects our development, but it also represents an opportunity to emphasise our tradition, heritage and values, and to better promote our pubs across the country.

W&D reported a 13.2% increase in underlying pre-tax profit for the year to 30 September to £101.5m (2005: £89.7m) in December. Turnover grew to £595.5m from £556.1m a year ago.

W&D's proposed four-for-one share split, to reduce the price of the company's shares and encourage more trading, was also passed by shareholders.

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