A fast-growing Suffolk-based pubs and hospitality group is toasting its latest acquisition - a wine merchant based near Norwich.

Chestnut Group - which owns a host of top East Anglian pubs including the Westleton Crown, the Ship at Dunwich, the Cricketers in Clavering and the Globe Inn at Wells Next-the-Sea - has snapped up Peter Graham Wines for an undisclosed sum.

The Wymondham company's 15 employees will be retained and it will continue to operate as a separately-branded business within the Chestnut portfolio.

Louisa Turner - who founded the business 26 years ago - will be handing over the reins.

Chestnut Group - which is based near Bury St Edmunds - said its latest acquisition was part of its continued growth strategy in the region.

The two regional brands have worked "very closely" together over the last 10 years, it added.

"This is a great fit for both companies and we have ambitious plans to build on the existing success of PGW," said Chestnut founder and chief executive Philip Turner.

East Anglian Daily Times:

"PGW’s East Anglian footprint dovetails perfectly with our regional ambition and focus, both brands are very closely aligned and share similar core values."

These included efforts to move towards a more sustainable business model and cutting their carbon footprint, he said.

"Alongside the shared values we also have the ability to support growth plans within PGW thanks to Chestnut’s ability to make additional capital available for new projects and investment, particularly through access to data.

"This will in turn give PGW customers even better value and insight into consumers’ buying behaviours and leverage opportunities to develop their revenues."

Ms Turner said: “Having spent 26 years building the business, I am obviously sad to be moving on, but think that Chestnut are the perfect guardian of our team, customers and brand.

"Chestnut has been a core component of PGW’s growth in the last 10 years and cementing this strong relationship provides PGW with a great platform to grow further."