Wolverhampton & Dudley (W&D), the UK regional brewing force, is emerging as a possible bidder for the Dorset-based pub group, Eldridge Pope. Eldridge Pope said last month that it was in negotiations regarding a possible takeover.
W&D, which produces the Banks's and Marston's Pedigree beer brands and owns 1,630 pubs is thought to be considering an offer in the region of £49m, or around 200p per share.

07 May, 2003