Punch pubs deal passed

BrITAIN’s competition watchdog has accepted proposals by Heineken to sell pubs in 33 areas to satisfy anti-trust concerns over its £403m takeover of Punch Taverns. The Competition and Markets Authority said it ‘is satisfied that its concerns have been addressed’.

The 1,895 Punch pubs being bought by Heineken will add to 1,100 leased pubs it already owns in the UK. The Dutch brewer sealed its deal last December.