The Bedford-based Charles Wells Pub Company has acquired ten pubs from Traditional Freehouses for £9m, increasing the number of sites in its estate to 260.

The portfolio comprises food-oriented outlets located along the M40 corridor as well as sites in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Five feature letting accommodation – an area identified for expansion across the existing estate to stimulate business development.

All the properties are operated under lease agreements.

Managing director of Charles Wells, Anthony Wallis, said “These sites are excellent businesses and complement our strategy of investing in food-led pubs with letting rooms.

“We now have the means to broaden our acquisition activity and have the funds and available resources to move quickly, so are keen to secure further pub groups or single sites as soon as possible.”

The properties purchased from Traditional Freehouses comprise: The George, Castleton (Derbyshire); The Duke of Wellington, Bourton on the Water (Gloucestershire); The Kilkenney, Andoversford (Gloucestershire); The Peacock, Redmile (Leicestershire); The Boot Inn, Barnard Gate (Oxfordshire); The Hand & Shears, Church Hanborough (Oxfordshire); The Moon & Sixpence, Hanwell (Oxfordshire); The Unicorn, Deddington (Oxfordshire); The Greyhound, Yarlet (Staffordshire); and The Golden Cross, Ardens Grafton (Warwickshire). Details: www.charleswells.co.uk

Photograph: The Duke of Wellington, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire