Award-winning chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White has acquired all six properties in the Maypole Group portfolio from administrators.

Simon Bower and Bruce Mackay of Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery were called in as joint administrators of the pub hotel operator last October. Founded in November 2003, the Maypole Group was intended to be an acquisition vehicle for UK countryside hotels with restaurants or pubs attached.

Marco Pierre White was one of 20 parties to have expressed an interest in buying the group, which employs nearly 200 people across sites in Norfolk, Suffolk and Wiltshire. Bower said: "Throughout this process, the continuous support and encouragement of the loyal staff and customers has ensured we have been able to keep trading."

All properties – including The Bridge Inn in Norwich and the Wayford Bridge Inn near Stalham, Norfolk – remained open during the administration period. Other locations include The Angel Hotel in Lavenham, Suffolk; The Pear Tree Inn, Whitley, Wiltshire; and the Lifeboat Inn and the Old Coach House – both in Thornham, Norfolk.