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← DATABASE
07/2020

AZZURRI GROUP

Acquired by

TOWERBROOK

United Kingdom Hospitality & Leisure / Hospitality / Restaurants / Chains REV 250M - 500M GBP

Context

TowerBrook Capital Partners has acquired the restaurant operator Azzurri Group in a pre-packaged administration deal. The transaction was necessitated by the severe financial distress Azzurri faced due to the operational shutdown mandated during the coronavirus pandemic. The lockdown period had a profound and detrimental impact on the UK's hospitality sector, rendering the company's existing capital structure unsustainable. This acquisition was structured to salvage the core business and provide a path to long-term viability under new ownership. The deal ensures the continuity of a significant portion of the company's restaurant portfolio, including its key brands. However, as part of the strategic restructuring to create a more resilient and profitable enterprise, the new owners will undertake a significant rationalization of the restaurant estate. This includes the permanent closure of numerous underperforming sites and a corresponding reduction in the workforce. The transaction represents an exit for the previous private equity owner, Bridgepoint, which had initially acquired the restaurant chains several years prior. The investment by TowerBrook is intended to stabilize the company, navigate the challenging post-pandemic market conditions, and ultimately position the streamlined business for future growth.

AZZURRI GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2019, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, a level to compare with 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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Multiples

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EV / EBITDA

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EV / EBIT

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Historical Financials (GBP)

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2019
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Other operations with AZZURRI GROUP

DateAcquirerTargetCountrySectorDeal Context
BOOJUMIrelandHospitality & 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.

AZZURRI GROUPUnited KingdomHospitality & 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

Revenue range: 250M - 500M GBP

EBITDA range: 25M - 50M 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).

Target: azzurri group

Acquirer: towerbrook