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Interesting deal today with Mars taking on the running of Brains pubs in Wales, as per rns just out.
Perhaps this is in the strategic planning of getting rid of some deadwood themselves and offsetting the costs of those towards the SA Brain transaction? Very bold move considering the debt pile already, however Wales (as well as England) has been punished severely during the pandemic and probably needed the lifeline like Mars needed the JV. Thoughts?
Brave move but could reap the rewards.
When the Oxford vaccine is approved I can see the SP rocketing and this is imminent.
Has anyone ever drunk Brains bitter? It's worse than Banks and nearly as bad as Red Barrel.
Personally I cannot see the price rocketing as the vaccine is already on the streets by another vendor. The approval process is taking time as they're probably dithering over acceptance and how to dispense the vaccine, do they go 50% then full shot or double shot with the lower efficacy rate? With it being already the 23rd I don't think we'll see it this side of Christmas however we can only wait and see like the decision on trade with the Bloc.
Solid move, taking over chains to make a bigger dominant position in the market.
Increase foot fall to sell product and gain savings in bigger purchasing power.
Can imagine maybe them doing this with another chain in the next few months, and come mid 2021 being in a great position to make lots of revenue.
Too brave a move for me. Have sold my holding this morning. Bought for dividends a few years ago. Not my best move but who saw C19 heading our way. GLA.
Marstons doing this is a big "we will be okay statement", and a great market growth play. If they can do this with a few other regional brands come 2021 pub openings they will be absolutely racking in the cash.
Barchid, YoYoMa,
It is indeed a brave move when Public House sector is being punished so hard. Brain's have clearly hit the buffers and a lifeline in the form of Mars arrives. Brain's have there own Brewery and one wonders how this arrangement will fit with Carlsberg, as it seems Brains Brewery is not part of the deal.
Did understand MARS were intent to build a Pub and Accomodation Business of Excellence once the JV complated. Not sure how taking on a further estate, whose condition etc is not known, fits in with the strategy stated.
It would be useful to get Daave's viewpoint? I expect to talking to some business contacts in Wales later today and will get a view.
At least the market likes it!!!
Turnpan
Lordy, red barrel, what a shocking drink, it's not still available is it ?
Having worked for Breweries for over 22 years I cannot understand why Brains have disposed of their pubs unless they weren't doing very well prior to the pandemic..
I know most chains / breweries are offering free or reduced rent to ensure there's someone left to open their pubs back up.. Lets face facts that without tenants and managers there's no business..
Fair Dealer , YoYoMa & Mysterious
Yes the market certainly seems to like it, but the more I think it over the chancier it seems to be.
I am guessing that there will be a price to pay to keep these "taken on" premises up to the standard MARS are now setting themselves elsewhere, also guessing that these "new" pubs might not be "profit accretive" as swiftly as hoped, these things rarely are & if either of these 2 guesses are correct it reduces the free cash flow needed to cut into their debt mountain. This was an essential target of the new Chair even before covid so I can't, without Daave's sort of knowledge of licensed premises likely cash flow in these circumstancee, be anything but very cautious.
So Daave, if you have any thoughts please,they will likely be very interesting.
cant be as bad as banks surely that is gross.
Can't be bad, a delayed 139k buy deal from today
Turnpan, Brains SA (skull attack) from The Old Arcade in Cardiff is the best 8 pints I've ever had, from what I remember.
I'd forgotten the SA suffix, at least the Welsh have a sense of humour.