UK-based pub and bar operator Punch Pubs has expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of 14 venues across the UK.

The move is part of the company's strategic growth, bringing its total number of sites to 1,300 and marking more than 50 acquisitions since September 2023.

The group secured the Milton 1 and 2 portfolio from Aprirose, a real estate investment firm.  

These venues, currently managed by Blackrose Pubs, represent a separate transaction from Punch's earlier takeover of the Milton 3 portfolio, which comprised 24 pubs.

The newly acquired pubs include the Shield and Dagger in Bristol, the Anchor in Bexley, the Auction House in Coventry and the Lochside in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Punch Pubs group property director Stephen Allen said: "This acquisition reflects our continued dedication to expanding and enhancing our portfolio.”

"We look forward to investing in these pubs and supporting them with our industry-leading resources, ensuring their long-term success. Key to this will be Queensway Advisory, which is providing management services as the pubs join the Punch business.”

Aprirose, along with its investment partners, purchased the pubs in 2019.

The divestiture is in line with Aprirose's strategy to exit the operational pub platform.

Aprirose chief executive Manish Gudka said: “This sale aligns with our strategic goal of exiting our operational pub platform and re-allocating capital towards new opportunities we are actively pursuing across several sectors with a range of investor partnerships.”

“We appreciate the hard work of Blackrose Pubs in managing these assets, and we are confident that the pubs will continue to thrive under Punch’s ownership.”