UK brewery firm Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries stepped up the consolidation of the pub sector today by announcing a £13.7m (€20.2m) offer for a smaller operator.

Beer campaigners in England today urged shareholders in Lake District brewer Jennings to block an agreed £45.8m (€67.3m) takeover by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries.

UK investors look set for a calmer few days next week as only a handful of companies are due to unveil results or trading updates. However, with statements due from the likes of Mothercare and Ottakar’s there could still be plenty of interest for edgy shareholders in the retail sector.