Independent pub and restaurant group, Orchid, has completed the acquisition of 43 sites previously operated by Premium Bars & Restaurants, which entered administration earlier this year.

The deal will increase the number of properties within the Orchid portfolio to 292. The acquisition includes The Living Room and Prohibition brands and a workforce of more than 1,500 people.

The deal is part of Orchid's strategy of acquiring distressed assets and the second such deal this year after Orchid took over Bar Room Bar - another group in administration.

Orchid will spend £3m on refurbishing the properties over the next 12 months.

Rufus Hall, Orchid's chief executive, said: "The acquisition of Premium Bars & Restaurants is an exciting move for us with their well placed city centre locations."

Premium Bars & Restaurants, formerly called Ultimate Leisure, was placed in administration in August 2009 after the Reuben brothers, who already owned shares in the company, failed to secure a deal for the business despite lodging a bid of around £50m.