Pub group Barracuda is set to open six new pubs by the end of the month after a £4m investment that will create 140 new jobs.

The operator of the Smith and Jones and Varsity brands has acquired four pubs and is rebranding two existing sites as it looks to continue its expansion across the country.

The acquisitions are in Bebington on Merseyside, Inverness, North Shields near Newcastle upon Tyne and Rugeley in Staffordshire. The sites being rebranded are in Southampton and Port Talbot in West Glamorgan.

Chief executive Mark McQuater (aboive) said: "The six new businesses in September, plus those that we opened in August, have made it an exceptionally busy time for the company. Looking ahead, we will continue to develop and expand our portfolio of brands right across the UK."

Barracuda now operates 211 pubs in the UK, having opened its 200th pub in Derbyshire in April. At the same time it launched its fifth retail brand, Cape, in Nottingham. Earlier this month the second Cape opened in North London.

Barracuda opens 200th pub>>

Barracuda launches fifth retail brand>>

Barracuda Group>>

By Christopher Walton

E-mail your comments to Christopher Walton here.