The UK’s Largest Pub Group Has Just Been Created
Friday, February 14, 2020
Welcome to the pub group of all pub groups!
The owner of the Slug & Lettuce chain, Stonegate, has been given the go ahead to merge with Ei Group, creating the UK’s largest pub company.
The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted Stonegate’s undertaking, despite having concerns that the £1.3m acquisition of Ei in regard to limiting competition in over 50 areas and creating higher prices for customers.
The merged company will operate close to 5,000 pubs and bars, including the Walkabout and Yates brands.
Currently Ei oversees a portfolio of 4,000 pubs, mainly in partnership with landlords and small operators.