Epiris takes majority stake in AMBER TAVERNS

In October 2024, Epiris Fund III, advised by Epiris LLP, agreed to acquire Amber Taverns, a UK pub operator, from a group of selling shareholders that included Michael George, a founding shareholder associated with the mid-market private equity firm MxP. Founded in 2005 by James Baer, who remained chief executive following the transaction, Amber Taverns operated 178 freehold, wet-led pubs across the UK. The acquisition represented the fifth investment made by Epiris Fund III, following its investments in Delinian, LoneStar, Pure Cremation and GSF Car Parts. The Epiris investment team involved in the transaction comprised Ian Wood, Aaron Atwal and Scott Forbes. Financing was provided by funds managed by Alpha Real and Ares Management. Epiris received advice from Sapient Corporate Finance, Macfarlanes, CBRE and PwC, while Amber Taverns was advised by Rothschild & Co, DLA Piper, Savills and Alvarez & Marsal. The transaction brought Amber Taverns under the ownership of Epiris Fund III, with the existing chief executive remaining in place to lead the business following the change of ownership.