Institutional investors in leisure and pubs chain Break for the Border will hear a direct appeal today from the owner of rival Thomas Read Holdings, Mr Hugh O'Regan, to postpone an extraordinary general meeting called for next Monday to approve Break for the Border's purchase of six Dublin pubs and hotels owned by the O'Brien brothers, Liam and Des.

This move by Mr O'Regan follows the rejection of his indicative offer of at least 45p per share (£15 million sterling) for the British-owned group. Break for the Border has also refused to consider postponing the e.g.m.