David Bruce, the pub entrepreneur best known for setting up the Firkin chain, is planning to float his latest company on London's Alternative Investment Market.

The Capital Pub Company, which has 12 properties, said today it planned an AIM flotation in 2006, in order to raise more capital to expand.

News of the planned float came as the company unveiled an increase in turnover from £4.2m to £6.8m for the year to 27 March.

Pre-tax profits increased from £200,000 to £668,000.

Bruce set up the company, together with former Regent Inns finance director Clive Watson, in October 2001.

Trading since the beginning of the current financial year had been "very encouraging", the company added.

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