Greene King steps up Bellhaven integration

Greene King said it will combine its brewing company and pubs, which include managed and leased properties, with Belhaven to speed up its growth strategy.

The move will create a 900-strong managed pub estate across UK, which includes brands such as Hungry Horse, Old English and Loch Fyne restaurants.

Greene King, which bought Belhaven in 2005, will retain its breweries in Bury St Edmunds and the Scottish operation's Dunbar facility and combine the portfolio of ale brands, including Belhaven Best and Greene King IPA.

The announcement comes as Greene King reported a better-than-expected 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to 73.1m, and a 4.2 per cent rise in revenues to 484.1m.