Capdesia Group invests in Wasabi Sushi Bento

UNITED KINGDOM Hospitality & Leisure / Hospitality / Restaurants / Chains REV £100–200M

Context

Capdesia led a consortium (including Japan’s largest sushi chain operator, Sushiro Global Holdings, and asset manager Regis Group PLC) to acquire a minority stake in Wasabi. The transaction followed a competitive bidding process where Capdesia outmaneuvered several high-profile firms, including Graphite Capital and Rutland Partners. The primary strategic objective was to stabilize the business following a period of financial pressure and to fund a multi-pronged growth strategy. The capital injection was earmarked for a major refurbishment program of existing UK stores, the expansion of the UK portfolio, and further scaling of the US presence. A crucial element of the deal was a three-way business alliance between Sushiro, Capdesia, and Wasabi, designed to leverage Sushiro’s massive industrial resources and supply chain expertise to accelerate Wasabi’s global expansion. The deal also strengthened Wasabi's balance sheet through fresh funding provided by HSBC, transitioning the brand from a founder-led independent to an institutionally backed international platform.

Wasabi Sushi Bento, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2018, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of [members only].

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Target

Wasabi is a prominent UK-based fast-food chain specializing in sushi and bento boxes. Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim with a single outlet in Embankment, London, the brand transformed the UK's lunch-on-the-go market by offering high-quality, healthy Japanese cuisine at an affordable price point. By May 2019, the group had expanded to 55 sites in the UK and 5 sites in the US (New York). Wasabi operates a lean and scalable model with above-average site-level economics, benefiting from a growing consumer shift toward healthier dining and speed of service. Beyond its physical stores, the brand maintains a successful retail partnership with Sainsbury’s, diversifying its revenue streams into the grocery sector.

Ent. Value

[members only]

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

[members only]

EV / EBITDA

[members only]

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (GBP)

Year

Rev

EBITDA

EBIT

2018

2017

Other operations with Capdesia Group

Other operations with Capdesia Group
Date	Acquirer	Target	Country	Sector
06/2026	QUADRIVIO GROUP / CAPDESIA GROUP	ALICE PIZZA	ITALY	Restaurants / Chains
07/2023	TORIDOLL HOLDINGS CORPORATION / CAPDESIA GROUP	THE FULHAM SHORE	UNITED KINGDOM	Restaurants / Chains

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09/2019	VAIL RESORTS	PEAK RESORTS	UNITED STATES	Parks & Ski Resorts
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06/2019	KIRKBI INVEST / BLACKSTONE / CPPIB (CANADA PENSION PLAN INVESTMENT BOARD)	MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS	UNITED KINGDOM	Parks & Ski Resorts
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REFERENCES

Revenue range: REV £100–200M

EBITDA range: £0–5M

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Wasabi Sushi Bento by Capdesia Group are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Target: wasabi sushi bento

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers the acquisition of a minority stake in Wasabi Sushi Bento, a British company specialised in Hospitality, by Capdesia Group in 2019, structured as a leveraged buyout (LBO).

What were Wasabi Sushi Bento’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Wasabi Sushi Bento generated annual revenue estimated in the £100–200M range and EBITDA in the £0–5M bracket (FY 2018). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Data on this transaction was compiled from the official corporate announcement published by the parties, combined with independent reporting from specialized financial and M&A publications.

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