Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries (W&D) has strengthened its hand in South Wales with the £43.6m purchase of Celtic Inns.

Celtic was set up in March 2002 by managing director Duncan Murray and operations director Clive Williams.

In 2004 it secured new backing from venture capitalist Sand Aire Private Equity (subsequently acquired by Dunedin Capital Partners) to fuel expansion.

Celtic has 70 community pubs mainly in South Wales, with 21 located in South England.

The estate consists of 63 tenanted pubs and seven managed outlets.

W&D chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “Celtic has a good quality estate which complements our existing business both operationally and geographically.”

W&D ready for smoking ban >>

Rise in wages and energy costs will cost £7m, says W&D >>

Celtic Inns finds new venture capitalists for further growth >>

By Chris Druce

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.