Bain Capital takes majority stake in Retail Zoo

Bain Capital Private Equity, through funds advised by an affiliate, partnered with Retail Zoo’s founders Jeff and Janine Allis to complete the acquisition of Retail Zoo from The Riverside Company and the founders. The transaction is structured as a consortium‑style deal in which the founding team retains a significant equity stake and management control, while Bain Capital becomes the majority‑economic owner and brings capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise to support the group’s expansion. Retail Zoo, already operating 294 stores in Australia and 100 international outlets across 9 countries, serves as a platform for accelerated growth in the Australian and Asian QSR market, with Boost Juice Bars as the crown jewel brand and Salsa’s, Cibo, and Hatch as complementary, high‑growth concepts. Bain Capital intends to leverage its global Quick Service Restaurant experience—gained through prior investments in Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Brands, Burger King, and Bloomin’ Brands—to scale Retail Zoo’s footprint, deepen brand development, and enrich the franchise‑partner ecosystem, including site expansion into non‑mall locations such as universities, airports, train stations, and petrol stations.