Morland has made a dramatic bid to buy its brewing rival Morrells.

The Abingdon-based brewery is among more than 20 companies to have submitted bids for Morrells.

Morland confirmed that it is keen to buy the 132 Morrells pubs. But like all the other bids, the Morland plan does not envisage keeping the historic Oxford brewery open

The bids confirm all the worst fears of Morrells' staff, who warned that the decision to sell the family business would result in 77 redundancies and the closure of the St Thomas' Street brewery.

The range of bids is thought to range from £30m to £45m with a shortlist expected to be announced within days.

Other bidders are understood to include Banks's, Greene King, Fullers, Youngs and a major leisure company.

Ken Hodgson, chief executive and chairman of Morrells, said: "I can confirm that more than 20 bids have been received following the sale announcement.

"It would not be proper for us to comment at this stage as to the identity of the bidders. I can, however, confirm that they include regional brewers together with pub chains." "None of the bids received include provision for retaining the brewery which I think underlines the fact that it is not a viable business option."

"Despite comments from CAMRA to the contrary the brewery was not profitable. It was costing us in excess of £1m a year to keep it open and this was one of the major factors which led to the sale decision."

Morland spokesman Silvana Payne said: "We can confirm that Morland have made a bid and we are now waiting to hear from Morrells."

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