Over the past week we have been in negotiations over the purchase of The Case, with our latest improved offer submitted on Monday.

We were hoping to have some good news to share with you in time for Christmas, however unfortunately the staff dealing with the negotiations at Punch Taverns are now on leave.

Whilst we are disappointed not to have reached an agreement before Christmas, we now hope to do so very early in the New Year, and will announce the outcome as soon as it is known. We very much hope that Punch will do the right thing and sell The Case to the people who care about its future the most – us, the shareholders of Bentley Community Pub Ltd.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

David Westley

Chair