W&DB profits up 12.9 per cent

May 27, 2006: Brewing giant Wolverhampton & Dudley - which owns brands such as Marston's, Jennings and Banks's - has reported pre-tax profits up 12.9 per cent to £40.2 million.

Chief executive Ralph Findlay commented: "These good results are the product of combining value-adding acquisitions and organic development in each of our trading divisions.

"Current trading in the Union Pub Company, Pathfinder Pubs and W&DB Brands has been satisfactory and in line with expectations.”

The firm said that although the UK beer market had declined by two per cent in he last 12 months, its market share had increased.

Its premium ale range, which includes Marston's Old Empire and Pedigree, and Jennings' Cumberland Ale, has grown by 12 per cent, while standard beers, such as those produced by Banks's and Manfields were also performing well. Market share increased in both on-trade and off-trade and is now 7.6 per cent of the UK ale market.

Investment in marketing was similar to last year, maintained at £2.6 million, with particular emphasis on the Marston’s Pedigree 'Don’t Compromise’ campaign and the ‘Caskforce’ quality initiative.