Tesco sells giraffe to Harry Ramsden's owner

By Sophie Witts

09-Jun-2016 - Last updated on 10-Jun-2016 at 08:46 GMT

Tesco has confirmed the sale of the giraffe restaurant chain to Harry Ramsden’s owner Boparan Restaurant Holdings (BRH) for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes 57 sites under the giraffe, Wondertree, giraffe Stop and Burger & Cocktails brands, of which 12 are franchised stores.

giraffe was launched as a family friendly concept in 1998, and was acquired by Tesco in 2013.

BRH – which also owns Fishworks and the three-strong Cinnamon Collection – said the acquisition was part of its strategy to build a ‘significant, multi-brand restaurant portfolio’.

giraffe’s managing director Tom Crowley said: “This now provides us with the opportunity to really focus on developing the giraffe business to its full potential throughout the UK and overseas.”

Ranjit Singh Boparan, CEO of BRH said: “We invest in businesses that add value to our portfolio and giraffe represents an appealing proposition for both customers and landlords. We believe the brand has significant potential for further growth and look forward to working with Tom and his team to develop the group.”

The group will be supporting giraffe in its expansion while continuing to roll-out its existing brands including the 43-strong Harry Ramsden’s chain.

BRH confirmed that it is currently evaluating further acquisitions within the hospitality sector.