Bulldog makes first acquisition after £4.5m investment: Independent coaching inn operator the Bulldog Hotel Group has made its first acquisition in the wake of a £4.5m investment by the Business Growth Fund last week. It has acquired the Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool off a £1.2m asking price to bring estate size to eight sites – the company plans to grow to 14 sites within a three to five year timespan. With only three previous owners since the 25-bed Royal Oak opened its doors in the 18th Century, the Grade II listed building sits on the high street of the bustling town of Welshpool. Recent visitors include Her Majesty the Queen, who dined at the Royal Oak Hotel in 2010 when she visited the town for the opening of its indoor cattle market, now one of the largest in Europe. Founder and managing director Kevin Charity said: “We have ambitious plans for the next few years and the Royal Oak is a great example of what we do. Based just four miles from the English border, the Royal Oak is clearly the focal point of the town and has for centuries been the hub for visitors and local residents alike. We will invest in all areas of the hotel, which will complete the refurbishment of bedrooms started by the previous owners and provide a lift to the food and beverage operation which we see as a real opportunity. There is already a great core trade and so we are excited to see where we can take it.” Recently named as one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2015, Bulldog Hotels specialises in finding high quality coaching inns and revitalising their offer across food, drink and accommodation to attract tourists as well and local and business trade. The Bulldog Hotel Group currently has well- known hotels in Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire and County Durham and has built a strong reputation in the industry for transforming traditional hotel businesses into busy and profitable all-day venues.

Enterprise Inns to update on new strategy: Enterprise Inns will be reporting interim results on 12 May 2015. Alongside the presentation of results, the company will also be updating the market on its strategy for maximising long-term value from its estate. This strategy update will illustrate the actions management has been taking to create a more flexible business model with which to grow value for shareholders. Whilst retaining the tenanted pub model at the heart of its business, the update will outline the progress Enterprise is making to build complementary managed and commercial property estates. The review follows a detailed assessment by the board over several months to ensure that the company is best placed to adapt to the structural changes likely to affect the industry as a result of the forthcoming Statutory Code and the anticipated introduction of a “Market Rent Only” option. A presentation for analysts on the results and the strategic review will take place on 12 May 2015 at 9.30am at Deutsche Bank, Winchester House, 1 Great Winchester Street, London.