Why-aye, man - it's the Greene King Takeaway

September 2, 2006: Greene King is teaming up with Geordie duo Ant and Dec to sponsor their Saturday Night Takeaway show on ITV1.

The brewer's chief executive, Rooney Anand, said: "Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway attracts viewers that are a great fit with our customer base right across our portfolio of leading ale brands and pub businesses, and we're looking forward to rolling out a number of exciting initiatives to further leverage the sponsorship within our pubs."

In a separate statement, the company revealed that trading over the 13 weeks to July 30 was up by 5% on the prior year, in part boosted by the World Cup. Total like-for-like sales in Pub Partners, its tenancy and lease division, were up by 1%.

The brewing company enjoyed strong beer volumes during the World Cup and hot weather. Lager sales were particularly good, and own brewed volume grew by 1%.

In Scotland, trading has continued to be variable since the imposition of the smoking ban, with a net result of total like-for-like retail sales down 2.4% in the 13-week period, although Greene King insists this is better than it had anticipated. "Within this overall result, we have been encouraged by the growth in food revenues, important for the future development of the business," said a spokesperson.

The acquisition of Hardys & Hansons plc and Hardy Hanson Holdings Ltd by Greene King was approved by the requisite majorities of their respective shareholders at meetings on August 15. This is expected to become effective on September 5.