London, England -- (SBWIRE) --05/27/2011 -- Thirty-two SPAR stores from the estates of A F Blakemore and Son Limited and Capper & Co Limited are being marketed for sale by Christie + Co, the leading retail business advisor.

Twenty-two of the stores are located in the north-east, eastern counties, midlands and south-west of England, with a further ten in Wales. While the leasehold opportunity is available on the majority of the stores, two have the freehold available. Some also come with post offices, while additional income streams from the likes of national lottery concessions exist in many.

As you would expect from the SPAR brand, all the stores are situated in prominent locations.

AF Blakemore and Son Limited and Capper & Co Limited are of the UK's six SPAR retail distribution companies, with a combined turnover of £1bn. Between them they operate 300 company-owned stores and supply to over 1,000 SPAR branded stores.

Both companies have recently reviewed their estates – with the 32 stores being sold identified as not fitting with future strategy. All the stores are available without a SPAR-tie, although A F Blakemore and Son Limited and Capper & Co Limited will consider continued supply under a Standard SPAR Trading Agreement.

Allen Shepherd, Director in the Corporate Retail Team of Christie + Co, says: "We are delighted to have received the instruction from the two companies to market for sale these 32 SPAR outlets. These represent a very exciting opportunity for experienced, independent operators to acquire stores — with or without post offices — as going concerns at very attractive prices."

A brochure detailing the opportunities at all 32 branches, and how to contact the appropriate regional Christie + Co office to discuss the possibilities, is available to download from the Christie + Co website at http://www.christie.com/spar.

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London, England -- (SBWIRE) --05/21/2011 -- Fifty-five closed off-licence stores in the Oddbins estate are being marketed for sale by Christie + Co on the instructions of Lee Manning and Matthew Smith (Deloitte LLP), Joint Administrators of Oddbins Limited and Oddbins Properties Limited.

Christie + Co is to conduct a focused marketing campaign for the 55 stores across England, Scotland and Wales, with 'best and final' offer bids to be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday 2nd May 2011.

Steve Rodell, Head of Retail at Christie + Co says: "We will be conducting a short, focused campaign aimed at individuals and operators with an interest in this sector. These off-licences offer both independent and multiple operators an excellent opportunity to acquire stores of varying size in prominent locations across the country."

Interested parties can find more information about the 55 stores offered for sale by visiting http://www.christie.com/oddbins.

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London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2011 -- Trading conditions have been tough for hotel businesses across the UK since the middle of 2008, when the effects of the global economic crisis first started to filter through to the hotel sector. As consumer confidence started to waver, occupancy levels declined and revenue per available room (RevPAR) started to fall.

Fortunately, 2010 was the year in which a sense of stability returned to the hotel market. The trading landscape, although far from easy, was much clearer than it had been over the previous two years and hotel businesses were able to focus on improving revenue, whilst keeping a watchful eye on costs. The fall in regional occupancy levels gradually slowed and RevPAR showed slightly positive growth during the second half of the year, albeit from a low base.

Whilst hoteliers were able to enter 2011 with much greater optimism, the big question they should ask themselves now is: "Is my business in the best position to make the most of an upturn in trade?" The vast majority of businesses have cut their costs dramatically in order to survive the tough trading conditions, but the severity of these cuts is of major concern to the hotel sector. If too much cost is driven out of a business, service quality, employment levels and the general condition of the hotel could all be compromised.

Capital expenditure (capex) is often the first thing to be cut during a downturn, as hoteliers choose to focus on short-term survival over long-term strategy. A significant number of hotel owners either cannot afford, or ignore the ongoing need for, capital expenditure programmes.

The lack, or misallocation, of capital expenditure budgets could see a significant number of hotels miss out on what is finally becoming a more distinct possibility — an upturn in trading. Hoteliers who have been able to invest in their hotels will be in a much stronger position to compete for returning customers than those who haven't. Hoteliers with franchise or brand agreements should also beware — a hotel that hasn't received sufficient investment is at risk of affecting a brand's reputation, which is of significant concern to brand guardians who are looking to protect their brand equity.

Lenders are also taking an increasingly active interest in the capex and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) reserves of the hotels that they have an interest in, to see whether the funds are being used as intended, or as a means to mitigate trading shortfalls. Lenders may be willing to fund capital expenditure programmes, in return for greater stakes in hotel businesses, to avoid finding themselves with permanently impaired assets on their books.

Employment levels and service quality should also be key concerns for hoteliers this year. Whilst we appreciate that staff costs have risen, as the national minimum wage has increased, hoteliers' cost saving initiatives could have a detrimental effect on staff retention levels and service quality.

The behaviour of consumers over the last few years has surprised many in the hotel industry. Budget hotel operators were expected to grow market share as customers traded down and although there was growth in the budget sector, it was perhaps not as great as expected. In fact customers chose to take advantage of some of the value deals on offer — in the middle and at the luxury end of the hotel market. Value consciousness has been one of the key themes over the last two years and customers continue to seek exceptional value deals — regardless of whether they are staying overnight, visiting a hotel for lunch, or enjoying a few drinks in the bar. Customer expectations are constantly evolving, so hoteliers need to update what they are offering to stand the greatest chance of winning repeat business.

Fortunately, there is some good news for hoteliers who have been forced to make up for a shortfall in corporate trade by offering low cost leisure deals. Many of the regional operators we speak to are reporting encouraging growth in corporate demand, as business customers increase their conference, training and events expenditure. The return of corporate trade, which is traditionally more profitable, will hopefully mean that hoteliers will become less reliant on low cost deals and special offers.

We don't deny that 2011 will be another challenging year for the hotel industry, but conditions have certainly stabilised and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that they will start to improve. Hoteliers may feel a little battle-weary after a difficult few years, but they need to take a fresh look at their businesses and ready themselves for the upturn — they simply can't afford to stand still and miss out on the opportunities it will bring.

Christie + Co is a leading business agent specialising in businesses for sale across a range of sectors, including hotels, pubs, restaurants, retail, leisure and care.

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London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2011 -- Pharmacists are split over the outlook for the UK's pharmacy sector over the next 12 months, with half believing that trading levels for their businesses in 2011 will remain constant or will improve, according to a new survey by Christie + Co, the specialist property agent and adviser.

The new survey posed a number of key questions to approximately 3,500 pharmacists that related to current trading and forecasts as well as on key issues which were felt would impact the pharmacy sector over the next few years.

In looking ahead to the coming year, half of the respondents were less confident of trading prospects, highlighting a number of key issues facing the sector, including the Government's proposed changes to NHS funding and the implementation of the category M claw back.

The new study, in which pharmacists were banded depending on levels of annual script income generated by their respective businesses, also found that those pharmacies based in high street (61%) and village (71.5%) locations were more confident about the trading outlooks, than those based in a suburban community (43%) or in an integrated site (25%).

Business size also played a key role in the confidence levels for 2011, with those outlets that dispensed up to 2,500 items (73%) and between 7,500 to 10,000 items (75%) more optimistic about the coming year, compared those with between 2,500 and 5,000 items (41%), and over 10,000 items (12.5%).

Tony Evans, Head of Christie + Co's Pharmacy team, said: "As with the UK economy in general, the key message from this survey, is one of uncertainty about the outlook for the coming year, although it is encouraging to note the percentage of operators who believe trading will improve or at worse remain at 2010 levels this year."

In terms of the key direct or indirect issues that pharmacists felt would have an impact on their business over the next three years, the majority said the continuing development of enhanced services giving pharmacies the opportunity to develop their services over and above script driven income and traditional OTC businesses would be the most positive step.

The most common concerns were product availability and supply; control of entry legislation; the abolition of PCTs; and potential transfer of funding to GP consortia. Another negative factor that pharmacists believe could impact their businesses was Direct To Pharmacy (DTP) supply schemes, which will potentially reduce discounts previously generated.

One of main issues causing concern is the potential impact of the coalition Governments proposed changes to NHS funding to include the abolition of Primary Care Trusts.

Evans said: "The overwhelming opinion is that this will impact heavily on pharmacy businesses with particular concern expressed over a potential conflict of interests if GP consortia were to hold the purse strings. Inevitably this may raise questions as to how services and funding can be allocated effectively where GPs offer competing services. At the very least the majority opinion calls for the appointment of practicing pharmacists to sit on the commissioning boards to ensure equal representation."

A respondent commented that, "pharmacists are rarely considered in the equation of health services in spite of what they can offer".

However, it was the implementation of the category M claw back that remained the biggest concern, with 55% of respondents indicating it would lead to a further reduction and erosion of gross margins in the future. One pharmacist commented, "the claw back will have a dramatic effect on my business… and for the first time in 26 years I will be unable to invest in staffing or award wage rises".

Evans concluded: "Whilst it is clear that the industry faces some significant challenges over the years to come appetite within the sector continues unabated. Applicant registrations are increasing for existing operators and first time buyers keen to acquire across the country.

"Despite these challenges we are experiencing increasing demand for pharmacy businesses for sale with all pharmacies we are listing commanding healthy interest. If anything the market is inhibited by the lack of stock being openly marketed. Indeed, close to 45% of respondents suggested that they would like to develop or enhance their existing business, or acquire an additional site over the next year. Our own experience would suggest that the pharmacy sector will continue to have a bright and healthy future as long as operators continue to adapt and evolve their businesses."

Acting on behalf of the private owners, Christie + Co recently sold the leasehold interest of Anthony's Pharmacy in Manor Park, East London, to national operator Alliance Boots, for an undisclosed sum.

For further information please contact Christie + Co's pharmacy team on 0207 227 0700.

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London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/24/2011 -- Disposal programmes by some of the largest operators led to an increase in deal activity in 2010 compared to the previous 12 months, according to specialist property agent and advisor Christie Co's own buyer analysis.

At the start of 2010, Christie Co predicted that transaction volumes would rise during the coming 12 months across its specialist sectors — hotels, pubs, restaurants, leisure, care and retail. This prediction proved accurate, as the number of deals completed by the company increased by 32%, compared with 2009. Of the deals completed by Christie Co last year, 44% of businesses were sold on behalf of corporate operators, compared with 40% in 2009 and just 29% in 2008.

Although some corporate buyers re-entered the market, after successfully adapting to the trading conditions, the majority of buyers were local entrepreneurs. In fact, almost 70% of those who used Christie Co to buy a business last year were local buyers who lived within 20 miles of the businesses they bought.

David Rugg, Chairman of Christie Co, said: "Having acquired significant numbers of businesses whilst the markets were at their most buoyant, some of the largest operators in our sectors had assembled vast estates that could be shorn of hundreds of assets. Freehold businesses that were previously absorbed by these large estates were brought back to the market, where they have been acquired by smaller groups and private owner operators.

"Whilst the volume of deals transacted last year is still a long way behind the number we completed at the peak of the market, it proves that buyer confidence is returning."

The new analysis is part of Christie Co's Business Outlook 2011 publication, which includes a comprehensive look back at the issues that affected the company's specialist sectors in 2010, and what key factors will impact these markets in the coming 12 months.

The publication, which will be officially launched on 18th January, will also include the average property value movements for each sector in 2010.

Christie Co, established in 1935, is one of the leading business agents and advisors specialising in the hotel, public house, restaurant, retail, leisure and healthcare markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/24/2011 -- The recovery in the wider economy, improvements in trading performance and an increase in transactional activity led to a stabilisation in average property prices across the hotel, pub, restaurant, leisure, care and retail sectors during 2010, according to Christie Co's Business Outlook 2011 publication.

Having reported declines in average prices in 2008 and 2009, prices finally plateaued in 2010. Christie Co's indices, which are based on analyses of transactions completed by the company in the preceding 12 month period, showed that average business property prices increased marginally, by 0.3%, across its specialist sectors.

Average price movements were negligible in most sectors, with a 0.1% increase for hotels, a 0.4% increase for care and a -0.9% decrease for pubs. The movement in the restaurant sector was more significant, where the company witnessed a 4.6% increase. Finally, in the convenience retail sector, average prices increased by 2.1%. The number of deals completed by Christie Co increased by 32% during 2010, compared with the previous 12 months, driven by corporate disposal programmes.

David Rugg, Chairman of Christie Co, said: "We are very encouraged by last year's transactional evidence since it confirms that prices have reached the bottom of the demand driven price curve. In fact, average prices have increased slightly in some sectors and we are hopeful that this upward trend will continue in 2011.

"What is clear from our analysis of last year's transactions is that the quality of assets we sold influenced the movement in average prices. For example, Christie Co sold a number of high quality restaurant businesses in 2010, for operators that included Paramount Restaurants and Smash Foods Ltd. The quality of these assets was much better than many of the independent restaurant businesses we sold —therefore helping to boost the positive movement in average restaurant prices."

As prices and trading conditions stabilised, the banks were more willing to fund business growth and acquisitions in 2010. Although large portfolio transactions were few and far between, buyers with robust business plans, who sought individual units and small packages, had a good chance of securing the funding they required. Private equity also started to re-engage with Christie Co's sectors in 2010 and the company envisages even greater private equity involvement in 2011.

Rugg commented: "There are opportunities for private equity players to add value through reshaping portfolios and implementing buy-and-build strategies. We can expect them to target businesses where high leverage is already in place, which would be difficult to replicate anew."

The banks enter 2011 in a powerful position. They will not only play a role in the future of the many businesses they support or control, but they will also determine how much capital will be released for new investment in our sectors.

Rugg said: "The banks' approach to our markets was responsible and informed in 2010. Although our specialists encountered 1,300 distressed assets last year, 80% of the advisory work we undertook was focused on preserving businesses rather than selling them. Not all businesses were preserved in 2010 but distress sales made a valuable contribution to transactional activity — creating opportunities for experienced operators to step in and reopen closed units, or apply new formats to businesses that had lost their appeal.

"Whilst we are confident that the banks will avoid flooding the market with distressed property in 2011, we expect the number of disposals to increase. The January VAT increase, the public sector spending cuts and rising utility costs will test the endurance of businesses that are already being scrutinised by the banks' business support units. Those that fail to improve their performance will be forced to sell in order to repay outstanding debt."

A number of events caused hesitancy in Christie Co's markets in 2010, including the general election in May and the Spending Review in October. Confidence dips were most evident immediately prior to anticipated government announcements but, once changes had been implemented and likely impacts understood, activity levels increased around for businesses for sale.

Rugg concluded: "Whilst we can expect confidence levels to subside a little in the first quarter in line with the VAT rise and spending cut concerns, we are hopeful that this reticence will be short lived.

"When we consider that the bank rate is still at a record low, mortgages are affordable (albeit harder to secure), business prices have generally bottomed out and trading conditions have stabilised in most of our markets, we expect the growth in buyer confidence already witnessed in 2010 to continue into the coming year. 2011 will hopefully be a period of gradual recovery, during which confidence will return, transactional activity will continue to increase and given stable supply, prices will rise."

Christie Co, established in 1935, is one of the leading business agents and advisors specialising in the hotel, public house, restaurant, retail, leisure and healthcare markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/15/2010 Acting on behalf of Thames Luxury Charters, Christie + Co is marketing the freehold of Thames-based Dixie Queen, Britain's largest boat for parties and events, with offers in excess of £2.6 million sought.

Brought from Sweden to the Thames in early 2000, the Dixie Queen is a replica 19th Century Mississippi paddle steamer, which was extensively refurbished to create a unique conference, party and events location that can travel from the Pool of London past Greenwich and towards the Queen Elizabeth II bridge.

The boat, which is large enough to have Tower Bridge raised, is currently licensed for 675 people while cruising and has sufficient capacity for 1,000 when moored.

There are two bar and dining areas; one seating 318 and another 170, plus external deck areas. With a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, the Dixie Queen is able to offer a full range of catering from buffet to fine dining.

The Dixie Queen is currently moored at Butlers Wharf Pier, adjacent to Tower Bridge, in central London, and surrounded by numerous high-quality and high-profile bars and restaurants. The boat is a regular sight cruising up and down the Thames, but could easily be relocated to any suitable location across the UK or further afield.

Katie Wallace of Christie + Co's London Bars and Restaurants team said: "The Dixie Queen is an iconic boat which provides excellent facilities for dining and events. We expect interest from existing cruise businesses, plus bar and restaurant operators based in the UK and overseas. We believe the Dixie Queen will generate a high level of interest from a number of 'captains' looking to drop anchor on this unique opportunity."

Christie + Co is currently marketing a number of businesses for sale across the UK and Europe, which would be of interest to a wide range of potential buyers.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/25/2010 -- Acting on behalf of Paramount Restaurants, Christie + Co has sold the leasehold interests of 28 of the company's non-core assets, with all but two sites acquired by established corporate operators.

In May this year, Paramount Restaurants instructed Christie + Co to advise on the disposal of a portfolio of 37 sites operating under the Brasserie Gerard, Chez Gerard, Caffe Uno, Bertorelli, il Bertorelli and Livebait brands. Paramount subsequently decided to retain nine of the original 37 sites, including all four operated under the Livebait brand.

The remaining 28 units comprised 12 Brasserie Gerards; eight Caffe Unos; four il Bertorellis; three Bertorellis; and one Chez Gerard. Occupying prime town and city centre locations, these sites were some of the best quality restaurants to come onto the market in over two years.

Using Christie + Co's sector expertise, contacts and national network, multiple bids were received on the majority of the restaurants from a wide range of interested parties, after a discreet and targeted marketing campaign.

Christie + Co and Paramount worked closely with landlords and buyers during the campaign, which was successfully concluded just five months after its official launch, with significant premiums being achieved on several sites.

The sites were acquired by 12 different parties, with 26 bought by established corporate operators, including Tragus, Gondola Holdings, Prezzo, Giraffe, Costa Coffee and Busaba Eathai, whilst the remaining two sites were sold to individual private buyers.

The average price paid for each restaurant was in excess of £250,000, whilst geographically the spread was six in Central London; 10 inside the M25; and 12 throughout the rest of the UK.

Simon Chaplin, Head of Restaurants at Christie + Co, said: "The disposal of these 28 restaurants underlines what we have been saying for the last two years, that despite the tough trading environment, buyers will quickly appear for well-located and realistically priced assets, especially those that they can quickly turnaround at minimum cost. It also showed that premiums could still be achieved in a challenging market.

"The fact that the majority of the sites were acquired by experienced operators or established casual dining brands highlights that these companies are currently driving both transactional activity and performance across the sector and the country."

David Street, Paramount's Property Director, commented: "We are pleased with the success and pace of the disposal programme, which highlights strong teamwork and expertise between us, Christie + Co and Wallace & Co, our solicitors for these transactions, underpinned by a clear focussed plan from initial marketing, agreeing deals through to completion. Our strong relationship with our landlords ensured quick and trouble free consents for our purchasers. We are now able to focus on improving and growing our retained business of 44 sites comprising 29 French restaurants; 11 Italian; and four Livebaits."

Christie + Co is currently marketing a number of restaurants for sale across the UK and Europe, which would be of interest to a wide range of potential buyers. Visit http://www.christie.com for more details.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/22/2010 -- The Government's announcement of £1.3 billion funding towards the reform of the Post Office network will further increase demand for businesses in the sector, according to Christie + Co, the leading property agent.

The funding, which will be introduced over the next four years, will lead to longer opening hours, allow customers to access their current accounts and offer information for jobseekers. At the same time, the Government also announced that there would be no new closure programme for the current network of 11,500 branches.

Christie + Co believes these new measures will bring security to the network and will generate further interest in post office business and also combi-sites, where a post office counter is housed in a convenience store or newsagents.

From its own transactional evidence, Christie + Co has seen a 20% increase in the number of post office businesses it has sold in the year to date, compared to the same period in 2009.

Tony Evans, Head of Retail at Christie + Co, said: "We believe the impact of these new measures will have the same positive impact on the demand to acquire post offices, as the cancellation of the tender process for the Post Office Card Account (POCA) and the conclusion of the consultation process for 'Network Change' had at the end of 2008.

"Both these measures led to a rise in the interest shown in operating a post office and we believe this new promise of funding for reform by the Government will have the same effect. Post Offices continue to play a key role in community life and present an ideal opportunity for people who are looking for a change, or who have been made redundant in the present climate. We have completed a number of post office-related deals over the last 12 months, and expect this positive trend to continue into the New Year."

Christie + Co recently sold the freehold of the Old Town Post Office in Eastbourne, East Sussex, to a Mr D'Souza, an experienced local operator, for an undisclosed sum, off a guide price of £275,000.

Christie + Co is currently marketing a number of post offices for sale across the UK, which would be of interest to a wide range of potential buyers. Visit http://www.christie.com for more details.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/08/2010 -- Christie + Co, the leading property agent and advisor, reports a 126% rise in distressed asset sales in the six months to the end of September, compared to the same period in 2009, as insolvency cases attracted a large number of buyers.

The pubs for sale sector led the way, experiencing a 189% increase in business sales during the six months to 30th September, compared to the previous year, with the care sector seeing a 125% rise.

The hotel market has increasingly come under the spotlight of banks and insolvency practitioners, which is reflected in an 88% rise in the number of distressed hotel businesses sold by Christie + Co during the period, compared to the previous year.

The number of distressed restaurant sales also increased, up 67%. The number of deals in the retail sector stayed flat during the six months to the end of September, mirroring the previous year's activity.

Christie + Co achieved 88% of the asking price on distressed asset sales during the six months to 30th September, a rise from 81% the previous year.

Selling distressed assets is usually the culmination of strategic review work by Christie + Co's advisory team, which works closely with turnaround and restructuring bankers and operators to preserve value in businesses that are experiencing difficulties.

Steve Rodell, Head of Bank Support & Business Recovery at Christie + Co, said: "Whilst a voluntary exit is usually preferable our evidence shows that businesses can still attract significant numbers of buyers even when tainted by financial distress, which is often caused by over leveraging.

"Many businesses have already faltered as a result of the tough economic climate, and many more are expected to fall by the wayside over the next six to 12 months.

However, as our data shows, distressed assets continue to appeal to experienced operators and those looking to start their first business, with a marked rise in buyers returning to the market during 2010. There also continues to be a number of success stories across our sectors, where operators have sought advice or adapted their offers in line with the changing trading environment.

"The need for expert and up-to-date advice on these markets — the buyers, the sellers and trends — continues to be imperative in order for businesses to be preserved or for new ones to be started in their place."

Christie + Co is currently marketing a number of businesses for sale across the UK, which would be of interest to a wide range of potential buyers: http://www.christie.com/search/businesses_for_sale.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm