Exclusive – Oakman files notice of intention to appoint administrators as it looks to complete sale: Oakman Group has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, as it looks to complete a sale of the remainder of its business, Propel has learned. An Oakman Group spokesperson told Propel: “Oakman would like to stress that the company is not in administration, and this is a necessary procedural step which provides the business with temporary protection from creditor action. This protection allows us to preserve and protect value while we work closely with our advisors towards completing a sale of the business.” Earlier this month, Propel revealed that the bulk of the Oakman Group’s leasehold estate had been brought to the market. Propel understands that the company, which is working with advisory firm PwC, has brought circa 20 of its remaining leasehold sites to the market. It is thought the package, which is being marketed under the name Project Zeus, has a combined valuation of circa £15m-£20m. It is thought the portfolio will be of interest to the likes of Punch Pubs & Co, Peach Pub Company and Upham Pub Company. Last month, Propel revealed that Oakman Group had sold ten of its freehold pubs to The Restaurant Group (TRG), which will run the sites alongside its circa 80-strong Brunning & Price business before integrating them into its estate, in a deal valued at circa £50m-£55m. It is thought that the deal enabled Oakman to clear its senior debt of around £40m. Oakman told Propel that the “strategic transaction” reflects the company’s “commitment to securing the best future for its business and the venues involved”. It also allowed it to strengthen the balance sheet, enabling renewed focus on its retained estate of 22 pubs. PwC was advising Oakman on its options, which included a sale of the whole business, and had been sounding out interest on parts of the leasehold estate.

Hundreds booked for Operational Excellence Conference: Hundreds of operators have now booked for this year’s Operational Excellence Conference, which is being held in partnership with Purple Story. The conference – which takes place on Wednesday, 9 July at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings – is designed for operations directors, managers, area managers, site managers and chief executives who want to maximise performance. Operating companies attending include The Restaurant Group, Greene King, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers, PizzaExpress, Wagamama, Burger King, Subway, Amber Taverns, BrewDog, RedCat Hospitality, Five Guys, McMullens, Bill’s, Joe & the Juice, Parkdean Resorts, Soho Coffee Co, Honest Burgers, The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants, Roadchef, Individual Restaurants, Portobello Pub Co, San Carlo, Bubble CiTea, Mowgli Street Food, Peach Pubs, Pizza Pilgrims, Comptoir Group, Wahaca, Beds & Bars, Arc Inspirations, Marugame Udon, Cosmo Restaurants, Flat Iron, Upham Pubs, Incipio Group, Buns from Home, Insomnia Cookies, Timothy Taylors, Caprinos Pizza, The Beautiful Pubs Collection, Livelyhood, McManus Pubs, Thorley Taverns, Cheshire Pub Co, Tapas Revolution, Berkeley Inns, AIM, Treetop Golf, Temper, Dakota Hotels, Public House Group, Bao London, Brother Marcus, Urban Village Pubs, Little Door and Co, Sandbox VR, Five Points Brewing Co/Whitelocks, Clays, The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, Hasty Tasty, Silk Rd, Lancaster Brewery, Koya London, Arepa & Co, Shiko Group, The Lost Estate, Crate Brewery, Jardines UK, Meet Bros, Siren Craft Brew, Blackbird Bakery and The Moat Wrotham. Propel managing director Paul Charity said: “As labour costs soar, lots of companies have responded to this opportunity as they look to get the best out of their teams and maximise performance. This is the largest operational conference in the UK by attendance.” Propel is also launching “parallel sessions” at this year’s conference, which offer the chance to deep-dive into specialist subjects. There will be a chance for teams attending the conference to break away and absorb the parallel sessions. There will be ten parallel sessions in total, which will run alongside the main conference. For the full speaker schedule and details of the parallel sessions, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book.