TASTES ON THE FLY acquired by PARADIES
Context
Paradies Lagardère, the North American division of Lagardère Travel Retail, executed the acquisition of Tastes on the Fly to significantly bolster its Foodservice operations across the continent. This strategic move is a cornerstone of the acquirer's ambition to become one of the largest and most respected airport restaurant operators in North America. The transaction provides Paradies Lagardère with an award-winning portfolio of restaurant concepts that are highly complementary to its existing operations. The rationale for the acquisition was heavily influenced by Tastes on the Fly's strong reputation for delivering high-quality, locally-inspired dining experiences, which aligns with Paradies Lagardère’s commitment to enhancing the airport passenger journey. For the seller, private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, the sale marked a successful exit following an investment period that began in 2017. During its ownership, H.I.G. supported the company through significant strategic growth and helped it navigate the severe downturn in the air travel industry. The deal structure ensures management continuity, with the target's experienced executive team remaining in place to facilitate a seamless integration and continue driving growth under new ownership.
TASTES ON THE FLY, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2023, 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 (11.0x).
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
Founded in 1999, Tastes on the Fly is a specialized operator of food and beverage concessions within major airports across North America. The company has established a significant presence in key travel hubs, including San Francisco International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Denver International Airport, New York JFK International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. Tastes on the Fly distinguishes itself by creating authentic dining experiences that reflect the local culinary scene of each city it serves. Its business model is built on a diversified portfolio that includes both proprietary brands and licensed concepts from well-regarded local restaurateurs and chefs. Proprietary brands developed by the company include Napa Farms Market, Berkshire Farms Market, and Klein’s Deli. It also partners with established local names to operate licensed locations such as Modern Market, Bobby Van's Steakhouse, Lark Creek Grill, and the SF Giants Clubhouse. By offering a curated selection of dining options, ranging from quick-service markets to full-service restaurants, the company caters to a wide spectrum of travelers while delivering a high-quality, locally-focused alternative to generic airport food offerings.
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Historical Financials (USD)
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REFERENCES
Revenue range: 100M - 200M USD
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: tastes on the fly
Acquirer: paradies