Majestic Wine tycoon releases 15% of shares

Majestic Wine tycoon John Apthorp's family trusts have placed 2.5 million shares for sale through broker Teather & Greenwood.

The disposal is expected to increase the liquidity of Majestic shares and reducing Apthorp's interest in the retailer from 46.3 per cent to 31.2 per cent.

Apthorp said: 'This is the first time I have sold any of my shareholding in Majestic. I believe that it has an exciting future and will continue to deliver shareholder growth.'

Chief executive Tim How said: 'This is significant, as the liquidity of the shares has increased substantially and the shareholder base has been expanded.'