Its all Over.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Markus Berzborn

Or it is more a personal matter between Mr. Lewis and Mr. Silverton. Such things are difficult to judge from outside.

The story is that Toby was married to Joe Lewis' daughter when Joe invested in BCL, and apparently that marriage has been over for some time, so maybe the way Joe views his "investment" has changed.

Apparently Joe Lewis lost a lot of money (even by his standards) on Bear Stearns in 2008 and last year his investment in Mitchells & Butlers wasn't looking too flash either, so it's likely he didn't have much appetite for a business such as BCL where the potential downside was probably always going to outweigh the potential upside.

It's a shame Toby's sister Philippa (aka TLF799R) is no longer here to set us straight

Like Greg, I think someone will buy BCL, because it is too much of a unique brand to let it go under completely. But it may lose it's appeal if it doesn't remain in British ownership.

Could be an interesting liquidation auction if no one steps up to the plate!

In the mean time, I assume they are still trading?