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Punch, the independent pub operator, has completed the acquisition of four pubs this week.

The William Mitchell in Morecambe, Th’Owd Tithe Barn in Garstang, Royal Oak in Bolton on Sands, and The Duke of Rothesay pubs were acquired as a package from Mitchells of Lancaster.

Mitchells of Lancaster was originally founded in 1871 by William Mitchell and the pubs have retained many family traditions and core values, with a reputation for great service and quality cask ales.

Speaking about the acquisition, CEO for Punch, Clive Chesser said, “We are really pleased to have acquired these wonderful community pubs and we look forward to working in partnership with the great Publicans and their teams for many years to come.

“We will provide them with Punch’s industry-leading investment and support, to allow them to flourish and ensure they continue to be truly at the heart of their local communities.  In the meantime, the pubs continue to be open and trading as usual.

“With the continued support of its shareholders, Patron and May Capital, Punch is investing approximately £30 million in its pubs this year and is progressing well on a 3 year plan to invest £80 million in its estate, supporting entrepreneurial publicans in communities across the UK.”

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