Loungers hires ex-Capital finance director

Café/bar and restaurant group Loungers is to appoint Nick Collins, the former finance director of Capital Pub Company, as its new finance director.

Collins will join the firm, which has 20 sites largely concentrated in the South West under the Loungers and Cosy Club brands, in early 2012. He will be Loungers' first finance director.

His move comes after Greene King acquired Capital earlier this year in a £93m deal.

Speaking of the appointment, Loungers managing director Alex Reilley said: "We're absolutely delighted to have Nick joining us, particularly as there were a number of other parties interested in his services. He obviously has strong sector experience and culturally he's a great fit for our business. Having not previously had an FD it marks a significant appointment for us, but with a sustained period of growth ahead for the business it was clear we needed to bring someone in at board level to strengthen that side of the business and Nick was the perfect candidate for the role."

Speaking of his appointment, Nick Collins said: "I am very excited about joining such a dynamic business and working alongside Alex and his team as the Loungers brands move into their next stage of growth".

Loungers intends to open eight sites in 2012 starting with the opening of Conto Lounge in Winton, Bournemouth, in January, followed by Circo Lounge in Westbourne, also in Bournemouth, in February.

Greene King trumps Fuller's in £93m Capital Pub Company deal >>

Loungers opens 19th site as it secures £1m extra funding >>

Loungers plans seven new sites after 88% rise in profit >>

By Neil Gerrard

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