Young’s targets Geronimo pub chain for takeover

Upmarket London pub chain Geronimo looks set to be taken over by Young & Co.

The 28-strong estate, including the Duchess of Kent in Highbury and The Crown in Victoria Park, has been built up over a decade by husband and wife team Rupert and Jo Clevely.

There has been speculation for some time that Penta Capital, Geronimo's controlling shareholder, was looking to cash out.

Today, Young's confirmed a report in The Publican that it is in talks on a deal. Analysts speculate it could be worth between £60 million and £70 million.

The paper says Rupert Clevely will stay in charge of the business and take a seat on Young's board.