AZZURRI GROUP
Acquired by
BRIDGEPOINT
AZZURRI GROUP acquired by BRIDGEPOINT
Context
The acquisition of the ASK and Zizzi restaurant chains by Bridgepoint represented the final step in the strategic breakup and divestment of the Gondola Group by its owner, Cinven. Cinven, a European private equity firm, had taken Gondola private several years prior and executed a strategy to realize its investment by selling off the group's constituent brands individually. This transaction followed the successful sales of PizzaExpress to Hony Capital and the Byron Hamburgers chain to Hutton Collins. For the seller, Cinven, the disposal marked the culmination of a profitable investment cycle, allowing the firm to generate a strong return for its limited partners. For the acquirer, Bridgepoint, the deal presented a compelling opportunity to take ownership of two well-established and highly popular brands in the robust UK casual dining market. The chains had demonstrated a strong performance trajectory with significant earnings growth in the years leading up to the sale, indicating a healthy underlying business with a loyal customer base. Bridgepoint's investment was predicated on capitalizing on this existing momentum, potentially implementing operational improvements, and driving further expansion of the ASK and Zizzi store footprints under new, focused ownership. The transaction was a classic secondary buyout, transferring ownership from one private equity sponsor to another.
AZZURRI GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2014, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.4x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Azzurri Group is a major operator in the UK's casual dining sector. The company owns and operates a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands, primarily focused on Italian cuisine. Its flagship chains include Zizzi and ASK Italian, which have an extensive presence across the United Kingdom. The group also operates Coco di Mama, a quick-service brand specializing in fresh pasta and Italian-style sandwiches. With a network of over 200 restaurants and shops, Azzurri Group employs approximately 5,500 people.
Ent. Value
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Historical Financials (GBP)
Other operations with AZZURRI GROUP
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/2023 | AZZURRI GROUP | BOOJUM | Ireland | Hospitality & Leisure | Boojum is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-themed cuisine. Founded in 2007 by brothers David and Andrew Maxwell in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the company has established a strong brand presence across the island of Ireland. The menu is centered on customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and other Mexican staples, catering to a consumer base seeking fresh, flavorful, and convenient dining options. The business operates on a counter-service model, which facilitates high-volume sales and quick turnaround times, particularly during peak lunch and dinner hours. By 2023, the company had expanded its footprint to 14 locations, with restaurants strategically situated in major urban centers including Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway. This growth has been supported by a strong and loyal customer following, often driven by a younger demographic that appreciates the brand's vibrant atmosphere and value proposition. The company's operations are managed from its headquarters in Belfast, and as of mid-2023, it employed a workforce of approximately 500 people across its network of restaurants. |
| 07/2020 | TOWERBROOK | AZZURRI GROUP | United Kingdom | Hospitality & Leisure | Azzurri Group is a major operator in the UK's casual dining sector. The company owns and operates a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands, primarily focused on Italian cuisine. Its flagship chains include Zizzi and ASK Italian, which have an extensive presence across the United Kingdom. The group also operates Coco di Mama, a quick-service brand specializing in fresh pasta and Italian-style sandwiches. With a network of over 200 restaurants and shops, Azzurri Group employs approximately 5,500 people. |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 300M - 700M GBP
Revenue range: 150M - 250M GBP
EBITDA range: 10M - 30M GBP
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Authors: mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Press release: view release
Target: azzurri group
Acquirer: bridgepoint