PRESS DIGEST - British Sunday business - Feb 17 =8

In a move hoped to shake off a rival offer tabled by Punch Taverns(PUB.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Blackstone and CVC are planning a bid for pubs group Mitchells & Butlers(MAB.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz). The private equity giants will give M&B shareholders the opportunity to receive some cash for their shares and continue to own half the business. One leading investor at M&B said: "Blackstone and CVC have a record second to none and they have cash -- it is a huge improvement on what is already on the table from Punch."

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants.