Brewer given more time over bar group bid

British brewing company Greene King has been given an extension — until close of business on Tuesday — to formally show its hand in the takeover battle for UK bar group, Spirit Pub Company.

Irish drinks group C&C is also interested in the business, which spun out of Punch Taverns three years ago and owns the popular Chef & Brewer chain of pub/family restaurants.

In a statement, Spirit said yesterday that it remains in discussions with Greene King and had extended the deadline for the company to announce its intention or make a formal offer or walk away from the process from yesterday until 5pm on November 4. The new deadline could be further extended if Spirit sees fit.