What are you looking for?

23 December 2020 | Comment | Firm News |

Hugh James ‘heartened’ by S.A. Brain Deal Which Safeguards 1,300 Jobs and 156 Pubs


Hugh James welcomes today’s news that its long-standing client, S.A. Brain & Co (Brains) has safeguarded 1,300 jobs in Wales through a deal under which Marston’s PLC will take over the operation of the Brains portfolio of 156 pubs in Wales.

Marston’s intends to continue to operate the pubs under the Brains brand and to continue to offer Brains beers in these pubs. The deal, which is expected to close in February, will add to Marston’s 1,368 pubs in the UK, including 106 in Wales.

Along with the entire UK hospitality sector, the independent family-led brewery business, which has been operating since 1882, has been severely hit financially by COVID-19 and UK lockdown restrictions.

Hugh James has advised Brains for many years and has continued to do so throughout the pandemic, including advising the board on this transaction.

Speaking of today’s announcement, Partner and Head of the Hugh James Corporate/Commercial team, Gerallt Jones, said:

“I am heartened by today’s news. This deal secures hundreds of Welsh jobs, not only within Brains but also across numerous other businesses that are reliant on the company. This mutually beneficial transaction puts Brains on a firmer financial footing to weather the current storms, opening another chapter in this iconic company’s 130-year history. We’ll continue to support the company as it navigates the future and are confident the pub estate will thrive under its new operator.”

Chief Executive of S.A. Brain & Co, Alistair Darby, said:

“Securing a long-term partnership with Marston’s at such an uncertain time is great news for Brains and enables the company to prosper in years to come. We were grateful to be advised by Hugh James as we navigated our way through a very complicated transaction.”

The Hugh James Corporate/Commercial team works with a high calibre of local, national, and international clients. The team has vast experience in a broad range of sectors and works closely with other transactional specialists at Hugh James.

Author bio

Gerallt Jones

Partner

Gerallt is a partner and head of the corporate and commercial team. Since joining Hugh James in 2005, Gerallt has led the team to be a leading player within the corporate and commercial market, advising clients including the Welsh Government, Princes Gate Water and the Development Bank of Wales.

Gerallt also has particular expertise in the sport and food & drink sectors, leading Hugh James’s relationships with clients in these sectors including the Welsh Rugby Union and Braces Bakery.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

Next steps

We’re here to get things moving. Drop a message to one of our experts and we’ll get straight back to you.

Call us: 033 3016 2222

Message us