Brasserie Bar Co set for accelerated growth after being acquired by Alchemy Partners
As first revealed by The Times, the deal is expected to be announced today (8 February) and will allow the group to step up the pace of new openings, with plans to grow its pub estate from 18 sites to 70.
Brasserie Bar Co, which also owns the Brasserie Blanc brand, was previously backed by Soho Square Capital.
Blanc is understood to have sold his minority stake, though he is retaining a small interest and will remain involved with the business after the deal.
Alchemy is reported to be interested in taking on freehold and leasehold pubs, which could push its investment over the five-year plan to as much as £100m.
“Brasserie Bar Co do food-led pubs exceptionally well – a combination of their differentiated product and a very experienced team who know exactly what they’re doing,” says Thomas Boszko, partner at Alchemy Partners.
“This investment is all about backing that team with the capital they need to expand the estate, both in leasehold but also freehold. We are confident in the future of the industry and believe there couldn’t be a better time to do this.”
Brasserie Bar Co currently has 14 brasseries as well as its 18 pubs, with a total of 1,300 employees serving an average of 34,000 diners a week.
As part of this acquisition, Mark Derry will remain as executive chairman of the group and Richard Ferrier as managing director.
“This is a great deal for Brasserie Bar Co, which opens up the path for us to operate more pubs and provide more opportunities for our colleagues,” says Derry.
“This will enable us to build on our achievements to date and drive further growth across the group. I would like to thank Soho Square Capital for their support and we look forward to working with Alchemy, who share our vision for accelerating the roll out our successful and differentiated pub offer.
“I would like to thank the whole team – led by Richard Ferrier, Chris Guy and Helen Melvin – for getting us to this point.
“Under their leadership, we have in place a winning combination of serving brasserie-quality food within historic and atmospheric pubs. It is an offer that customers love, and I am confident that the continued strength of our teams, our steadfast focus on food, and our outstanding locations, will drive future success and growth.”
