Core Viewpoint - Stonegate Group is planning to sell over 1,000 pubs to reduce its significant debt burden, potentially raising £1bn ($1.32bn) from the sale [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Situation - The company reported revenues exceeding £1.7bn in 2024 but has over £3bn in borrowings as of September 29, 2024, primarily due to its 2019 merger with Ei [2]. - Stonegate's finance costs reached £455m for the year ending September 2024, exacerbated by higher interest rates and increased wage bills due to national insurance and minimum wage hikes [5]. Group 2: Asset Details - The pubs targeted for sale, known as the "platinum" portfolio, consist of 1,034 sites and are considered some of Stonegate's strongest assets, generating £90m in earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortisation [2][6]. - The portfolio is entirely freehold and located across England and Wales, with no sites in Scotland [6]. Group 3: Strategic Moves - Stonegate has previously securitized the platinum assets through a £638m loan from Apollo, allowing for the potential sale of these assets without negatively impacting the rest of the business [3]. - The company is considering selling the assets in smaller tranches rather than a single transaction, which may attract interest from private equity buyers [4][6].