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The pub group has made the claim despite admitting that it has been affected by the recession, with like-for-like sales at its managed estate falling by around 1.4 per cent year-on-year in the 12 months to August 22nd.
Performance of its leased pubs also faltered, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from this area of operations dropping 11 per cent.
As a result, it has added a further 450 pubs to its 'turnaround division', which was established earlier this year in an effort to improve the performance of its struggling businesses.
The company said in a statement that it is confident of its long-term prospects, but added that it is "cautious" about "the lack of forward visibility on trading outlook" in the immediate future.
Punch Taverns shares were priced at 126.5p at 14:24 BST following the announcement.








