Whitbread takes the axe to Beefeaters and Brewers Fayre pubs

Whitbread is set to sell or convert a third of its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre pubs estate after a private equity swoop collapsed.

The FTSE 100 company hired Goldman Sachs last year to explore options for its 400-site food and beverage estate, which is mainly comprised of the two brands.

Sources said Whitbread subsequently entered exclusive talks to sell the arm to Platinum Equity, the Beverly Hills buyout fund that tried to acquire pub chain Marston’s in 2021. However, the deal collapsed after the pair failed to agree a price.

Whitbread bosses have now instructed adviser Christie & Co to sell between 30 and 50 of its worst-performing sites, according to City sources. They added that a further 100 pubs and restaurants are