Takeover deal for Bar Sport

The Cannock-based Bar Sport chain has been taken over by a Danish firm in a move set to safeguard more than 100 jobs.

Viking Pubs Limited has stepped in to save Bar Sport, which has a venue in High Green, and pledged to give it a £300,000 makeover. News of the takeover follows a week of uncertainty for the chain after boss Scott Murray was forced to call in administrators.

Viking boss Erik Plejdrup said today the existing employees, including the management, would keep their jobs.

Bar Sport in Walsall is included in the takeover but venues in Loughborough and Rugby remain in administration.

Mr Plejdrup, aged 61, who has made a career in salvaging companies, was in England to close the deal late last night.

Speaking exclusively to the Express and Star today, he said: "Bar Sport has a fantastic reputation and is one of the leading sports bar chains in the country.

"I want to continue to enhance the reputation of Bar Sport and help to move it forward.

"All the staff and management at both Cannock and Walsall have kept their jobs.

"We will also be carrying out a £300,000 refurbishment of the Cannock venue starting. We will installing new floor and new hi-tech definition screens and improved lights and sound system. It is an exciting time for Bar Sport and everyone connected with it."

Administrators Butcher Woods were called in last Friday to deal with the administration and on Wednesday, the Cannock and Walsall branches were closed for meetings.

Richard Goodwin, from Butcher Woods, said: "We can confirm Viking Pubs Ltd has made a successful takeover bid and the deal was sanctioned late last night. We are very pleased with the outcome."

Mr Murray has told how he had timed plans for an expansion badly with the credit crunch hitting hard.