Charles Wells has appointed Gerald Eve for asset management advice on its UK portfolio and plans to expand the estate to 500 pubs.

Following a strategic review the company has increased investment into its pub estate and says it remains committed to a customer-focussed response to the changing markets within the brewing and pub industry.

Richard Burt, director of property at Charles Wells, said: 'The appointment of Gerald Eve will add value to our property portfolio and is a reflection of the continuing investment undertaken by Charles Wells to develop our pub estate.

'This appointment will also allow us to focus increased resource on the key strategic area of acquisitions and the development of our existing UK pub estate. Our aim is to grow the UK estate to 500 pubs over the next five to ten years.'

Gerald Eve has been appointed on a three-year contract to 'maximise property income and identify opportunities such as alternative uses'.

Charles Wells currently has 260 managed and tenanted pubs in the Midlands and the south-east of England. Details: +44 (0)1908 685950