A round-up of the weekend's news affecting the hospitality industry...
Compass to sell off travel business
Compass is lining up the disposal of its travel concessions arm in a move that is expected to raise at least £300m. The group has instructed its financial adviser, Citigroup, to prepare Select Service Partner for sale. The division operates from airports, railway stations and motorway service areas in more than 35 countries. It operates brands such as Burger King, Caffe Ritazza and Upper Crust.- Sunday Times, 18 September
Alchemy bid for Inventive Leisure
Alchemy Partners, the private-equity firm, is the mystery bidder behind a planned takeover of the vodka-bar group Inventive Leisure. The move by Alchemy is expected to spark a fierce bid battle for Inventive, which runs the Revolution chain. Trade rivals such as Ultimate Leisure and Regent Inns are likely to be interested in a deal, as are other private equity groups. – Sunday Times, 18 September
Irish smoke ban improves staff health
Ireland’s ban on smoking in the workplace has not only cleaned up the air in pubs and restaurants, it has also improved the health of the people who work there, according to new research which has shown that particulate matter in the air, which is a feature of smoke pollution, has decreased in pubs and bar staff are breathing better. – Sunday Herald, 18 September
Another twist in Jurys Doyle sale
Seán Dunne looks close to launching an outright approach for hotel group Jurys Doyle that could top €1.2b, or €19.00 a share. – Irish Independent, 17 September
New drinks law will be reviewed after three months
The Government will this week make a key concession to critics of its controversial 24-hour drinking reforms by agreeing to a review of the law’s operation soon after it comes into force. After sustained pressure from the opposition, health groups and the police, ministers will announce that the law will be reviewed within three months of extended hours beginning on 24 November. – Sunday Times, 18 September
Irish restaurants agree to beef origin labelling
Restaurants in Ireland have agreed to disclose the origin of beef they serve following reports that some are serving cheaper Brazilian imports. The issue came to a head last week when farmers protested outside Dublin tourist pub the Oliver St John Gogarty in Temple Bar, where they claimed that cheaper Brazilian beef was being passed off as "traditional Irish meats" on the pub's website. – Irish Independent, 17 September
Greene King close to Belhaven deal
Greene King is a step closer to completing its £187m buyout of rival Belhaven, after it revealed it now controls nearly 60% of its shares. Greene King said investors holding 57.8% of Belhaven shares had either already sold their shares or agreed to do so by 15 September. Greene King is now extending the period in which investors have to agree the terms of the offer by another two weeks. – The Scotsman, 17 September
Savoy deal investor revealed
The multi-millionaire Peter Green has emerged as one of the largest investors in the Derek Quinlan-backed consortium that bought the former Savoy Hotel Group in May last year for £750m. The landmark Savoy deal made Quinlan’s reputation in Britain. The consortium sold the Savoy and Simpson’s-on-the-Strand for £237m to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal six months later. – Sunday Times, 18 September