In July 2008, LGV acquired the Hospitality Division and drinks distribution businesses of SandpiperCI to create the Liberation Group.
The Liberation Group comprises 65 predominantly freehold pubs located on Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, the Jersey Brewery and the two drinks distribution businesses, Victor Hugo (Jersey) and Bucktrout & Co (Guernsey).
LGV has backed a new Chief Executive, Mark Crowther, who will be supported by existing Hospitality Division directors Declan Hearne (Finance Director) and Kenrick Brooks (Operations Director). Current Hospitality Division Managing Director Ed Daubeney will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Graham Turner – the Chief Executive of the Tragus Group of restaurants – will be a new Non-Executive Chairman.
LGV was attracted to the high quality nature of the pubs and will be looking to make some targeted investment in the estate so as to maintain its strong market position across all three islands. The brewery and distribution businesses also represent first class trading operations, which have the potential to generate even stronger returns.
