HOJEIJ BRANDED FOODS acquired by LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL

The acquisition of Belmond Ltd. by LVMH Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy represents a strategic move by the luxury conglomerate to expand its presence in the hospitality industry. The deal brings together two leaders in the luxury sector, with Belmond's unique collection of hotels, trains, and river cruises complementing LVMH's existing portfolio of luxury brands. The acquisition is expected to enhance LVMH's ability to deliver exceptional experiences to its customers, while also providing Belmond with the resources and support to continue its growth and development

In December 2018, Dentressangle Initiatives entered the capital of Big Mamma Group through a minority growth‑equity investment, as part of the group’s expansion phase. The deal is structured as a minority stake, with founders Tigrane Seydoux and Victor Lugger retaining control and management, and a plurality of earlier business angels and small funds remaining in the cap table. The proceeds are used to fund new restaurant openings in Paris, support the early international expansion (including the London launch of Gloria), and strengthen central functions such as supply chain, IT, and operational governance

Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. agreed to acquire Bojangles. The board approved the transaction after reviewing strategic alternatives, and the company was expected to remain an independent private business based in Charlotte, North Carolina following closing, which was targeted for the first quarter of 2019. The strategic rationale centered on Bojangles’ strong regional brand equity, its loyal Southern consumer base, and the opportunity to support a proven quick-service platform facing same-store sales pressure and competitive intensity

Focus Brands completed its acquisition of Jamba in September 2018 following a tender offer for all outstanding shares. The deal was initially announced in August 2018 and closed after a majority of Jamba shares were tendered, with the remaining shares acquired through merger under Delaware law. Jamba became a wholly owned subsidiary of Focus Brands and continued to operate as an independent brand within the group. The strategic logic was to add a premium beverage and lifestyle concept to Focus Brands' portfolio and strengthen its position across snack and restaurant occasions

In a definitive move to consolidate the Mediterranean fast-casual segment, Cava Group has agreed to acquire Zoe’s Kitchen. The deal is structured as a public-to-private (P2P) acquisition. This merger will create a combined entity with 327 restaurants across 24 states, establishing the clear market leader in the category.The acquisition is being financed through a substantial equity investment led by Act III Holdings, the investment vehicle of Ron Shaich (founder of Panera Bread), with participation from The Invus Group and existing Cava investors

European restaurant operator AmRest has completed the acquisition of Sushi Shop Group, a prominent sushi restaurant chain with a significant presence in France. This transaction is part of AmRest's broader European expansion strategy, aimed at bolstering its position in the food service market. As the owner of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks franchises in Europe and Russia, AmRest also operates its own brands in Spain and France. Sushi Shop, headquartered in Paris, has a footprint in 11 countries, including Spain, the UK, and Italy, with 165 locations, of which approximately one-third are operated by franchisees

Kharis Capital has acquired a majority stake in O'Tacos Corporation, alongside the company's historical founders who will retain operational involvement in the management of the group. This transaction is part of a strategy to accelerate the development of the network, with the goal of supporting growth in France and, more importantly, driving the brand's international expansion. The entry of Kharis Capital enables O'Tacos to leverage the expertise of a specialized investor in the organized restaurant sector, with a proven track record in developing large-scale quick-service restaurant networks across Europe

JAB acquired a majority stake in Pret A Manger from Bridgepoint and other minority shareholders in May 2018. The transaction value the company above £1.0b including debt, with Pret shareholders and employees benefiting from the change in ownership. The deal followed more than a decade of Bridgepoint ownership and gave JAB control of one of the U.K.'s best-known ready-to-eat food chains. The strategic rationale was to add a premium, high-frequency food and coffee brand to JAB's expanding consumer platform

Equistone Partners Europe finalized the acquisition of a majority stake in the Karavel-Promovacances and Fram groups from LBO France. The transaction was structured through a €30 million investment, providing the group with the strategic liquidity required to complete its financial recovery. This transaction represents a strategic transition from one financial sponsor to another, avoiding a trade sale to an industrial giant that might have triggered heavy restructuring. The deal involves significant management reinvestment, with the co-founders and CFO maintaining a key role in the capital structure

Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) acquired a 40% minority stake in European Camping Group from Montefiore Investment and the management team. Montefiore Investment, which originally took the company private in 2014, remains the majority shareholder. This partnership aims to provide ECG with the long-term capital necessary to accelerate its international build-up strategy and consolidate its leadership position in the fragmented European campsite market.