I've often been chided for suggesting that several of the regional brewers are nothing but pubcos as bad as any other or simply property companies who continue to brew either out of reminiscence or because they're scared of the bad PR they'll get if they stop.
Anyway here's one from the Publican today:
Charles Wells poised to take on Young's brewing?
22 May, 2006 By Hamish Champ
Speculation is mounting that a major announcement is imminent regarding the future of Young's brewery
News that Young & Co has brought its results announcement forward by three days to tomorrow (Tuesday) has caused a flurry of speculation that the group is about to contract out its brewing operation to Bedford brewer Charles Wells.
Reports of high level meetings between the two brewers earlier this month led many within the sector to speculate that a deal was imminent, although when questioned on previous occasions Nigel McNally, Charles Wells' brewing and brands director, has stressed the company wanted to focus on driving its own brands.
The future of the Young's brewery site in Wandsworth, South London, has been the subject of talks beween the brewer and Wandsworth Council for some time. The site could be worth more than £100m as part of a redevelopment of the area.
No-one from either company was available for comment (I bet they bloody weren't).