Downing acquires Pub People Group
Pub People was managed by Andrew Crawford and Kevin Sammons. Following the acquisition, Sammons will transition into a non-executive role, while Crawford will move into the role of managing director
Investment manager Downing has acquired The Pub People Group (Pub People) and merged it with its existing investment in Autumn Pubs Limited (Autumn), which has been managed under contract by Pub People since 2012.
Funds managed by Downing will be the majority shareholder in the combined business (the group), and it has committed to further funding for expansion through acquisitions. In total, the group includes 49 managed pubs.
Pub People was managed by Andrew Crawford and Kevin Sammons. Sammons has headed the group for over 28 years, and its portfolio of pubs is based in and around Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Lincoln.
Following the acquisition, Sammons will transition into a non-executive role, while Crawford will move into the role of managing director.
Sammons said: “I am proud to have led and built this successful company, along with the many loyal and exceptional employees who have been important contributors to that success. They can now continue the Pub People journey along with Downing and fulfil their and the group’s potential.”
Crawford added: “While there are numerous economic challenges on the horizon, we have a strong team and, with support from Downing, the group can continue to invest and grow its high-quality pub estate.”
Nick Carter, associate director at Downing, said: “Kevin and Andy have been trusted and respected partners of ours for more than a decade. We wish Kevin well and we are excited to take the group to the next stage under Andy’s direction.”
The Downing team on the deal is Colin Corbally, Gautam Chhabra and Nick Carter. Downing has been advised by Michelmores, HMT and K3 Advisory, and Pub People has been advised by Browne Jacobsen and BHP.