Jury Hotel Group last night issued a statement saying its buyout discussions with the Doyle Hotel Group are proceeding satisfactorily and that both parties hope a share purchase agreement can be signed "in the near future".

The company said matters "which are the subject of media speculation" are not of a nature which would cast doubt on the successful outcome of the negotiations. This was a reference to yesterday's report in The Irish Times that Jurys has identified a number of issues it wants resolved before the deal can be put to its shareholders.

Jurys is seeking an indemnity against any outstanding taxes due by the Doyle group shareholders, The Irish Times understands. It is particularly concerned about possible Capital Acquisitions Tax liabilities linked to the Doyle stock. It has other concerns about structural problems in a number of hotels, and licensing irregularities due to extensions built on a number of Doyle hotels, which are not covered by the existing liquor licences.