Karali Group has acquired Côte Brasserie, the French-inspired restaurant chain, from private equity firm Partners Group.
The deal represents a strategic expansion for Karali, which already operates Burger King, Taco Bell, and Marugame Udon franchises across the UK and US.
Côte Brasserie generated impressive sales of around £148 million in the year to September 2023. The acquisition includes Côte Restaurant Group Limited, Greenfield Food Supply Limited, and Côte Deliveries Limited, with Côte Brasserie operating over 70 restaurants across the UK.
The transaction was advised by teams from PKF Smith Cooper, including Corporate Finance, Transaction Advisory Services, Tax and VAT. The deal team was led by David Nelson, Senior Partner, David Crump, Corporate Finance Director, and Tom Sinden, Transaction Advisory Services Director supported by Deniss Sipovics and other members of the firm’s tax advisory team.
PKF Smith Cooper previously advised Karali Group on its acquisition of Marugame Udon, which makes this deal the second within 9-months that the parties have collaborated on.
David Nelson commented: “We were delighted to support Karali Group on this acquisition. Their ambition and clarity of vision made for a highly collaborative process, and we’re proud to have played a role in helping them expand their footprint in the UK casual dining market. We wish them every success with Côte.”
David Crump added: “It’s been a privilege to advise Salim and Karim Janmohamed again after knowing them for so many years. Our longstanding relationship with the Karali team enabled us to hit the ground running and deliver a seamless transaction. Their entrepreneurial drive and operational expertise continue to impress. I wish them continued success as they take Côte forward.”
Karim Janmohamed commented: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the team at PKF Smith Cooper. Their responsiveness, commercial approach and ability to navigate complexity has been invaluable throughout this transaction. We look forward to continuing our relationship on future opportunities.”
