Endeavour executive chairman Ari Mervis is undertaking a major review of the owner of Dan Murphy’s liquor stores and hundreds of pubs which could ultimately lead to the break-up of the hospitality company.

Mervis joined the board last year, and took over executive duties a week ago following the departure of Steven Donohue. Mervis will remain in the job for up to 12 months while Endeavour searches for a permanent chief executive.