Stonegate Pub Company, the UK's largest pubs and bars group, faces significant financial uncertainty as it struggles to refinance its GBP 2.2 billion (USD 2.7 bn) debt. Despite discussions with lenders, no new loans have been secured to replace debt maturing in June 2025, prompting concerns about the company's ability to continue operations.
Owned by private equity firm TDR Capital, Stonegate based in Cayman Islands, expanded its network to over 4,400 establishments, including Slug & Lettuce and Be At One chains, through the GBP 1.3 billion (USD 1.6 bn) acquisition of Ei Group (formerly Enterprise Inns) in 2019. (inside.beer, 20.8.2019) However, the timing, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated financial challenges.
Efforts to refinance debts began in February, but market conditions, coupled with pandemic impacts, have hampered progress. Rising costs and reduced consumer spending have squeezed profitability, leading to industry closures and insolvencies.
Stonegate's substantial debt, exceeding GBP 3 billion (USD 3.7 bn), and high finance costs, pose significant pressures. Failure to refinance GBP 2.2 billion (USD 2.7 bn) of loans could lead to a downgrade in its outlook by rating agencies like Fitch.
Despite challenges, CEO David McDowall remains optimistic, citing recent revenue and profitability improvements. McDowall emphasizes ongoing efforts for long-term balance sheet goals through asset optimization and profit initiatives.
Looking ahead, McDowall aims to capitalize on upcoming events like the Euros and T20 World Cup to bolster momentum.
Stonegate has faced past criticism for implementing "dynamic pricing" and failing to pay minimum wages to staff, which it promptly rectified.
Bad timing is not solely a concern for Stonegate. In the years preceding COVID-19, other billion-pound sales in UK pub chains were impacted, such as Heineken's acquisition of Punch Taverns in 2017 (inside.beer, 5.1.2017) and CK Asset Holdings, owned by one of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, purchasing Greene King in 2019 (inside.beer, 20.8.2019).
