Investment manager Downing LLP has acquired The Pub People Group of companies (“Pub People”) based in Alfreton, Derbyshire, from its management team (Kevin Sammons and Andre Crawford). The group will be merged with Downing’s existing investment in Autumn Pubs Limited (“Autumn”), which has been managed under contract by Pub People since 2012.

Pub People is an independent pub company based in the Midlands, with food and drink establishments located in and around Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Lincoln. Funds managed by Downing will be the majority shareholder in the combined business. The Group includes 49 managed pubs with Downing committing further funding to help the Group expand through acquisitions. Following the acquisition, Kevin Sammons will transition into a non-executive role, while Andrew Crawford will move into the position of Managing Director.

“It is now time for me to step back and hand over to a worthy and capable successor and his team,” said Kevin Sammons. Crawford added that with support from Downing, the Group could continue to invest and grow its high-quality pub estate.

Downing is a sustainable investment manager established in London in 1986 and currently manages £1.7 billion of assets under a broad range of investment mandates.