McWin buys Sticks'n'Sushi with plans to grow the brand in new and existing markets
The investor, which recently acquired Italian-restaurant group Big Mamma, has bought the 27-strong Denmark-born business, which operates 12 restaurants in Denmark, 12 in the UK and three in Germany.
The company has 1,500 employees and in the year ending June 2023 generated £90m of revenues.
The investment is being made in partnership with Polaris Flexible Capital, led by partners Jesper Langmack and Kent Brovn Arp and marks the end of 10 years of ownership by Maj Invest, which since 2013 has helped move Sticks'n'Sushi from a family-run business to a well-known brand in Europe.
Andreas Karlsson has been with the group since 2011, overseeing its expansion into the UK before taking over the leadership in 2019 and will continue to lead Sticks'n'Sushi into its next chapter of growth.
“The agreement marks a new chapter for Sticks'n'Sushi,” says Sticks'n'Sushi CEO Andreas Karlsson.
“McWin agrees with the strategy we presented and shares our ambitions for the company. We will accelerate our growth in our existing markets – the UK, Denmark and Germany, but will also enter completely new markets over the next five years. We see many opportunities arising with markets like France and DACH being top priorities for us.”
“Sticks'n'Sushi has expanded successfully under Maj Invest’s stewardship since 2013 and McWin’s expertise in the restaurant industry makes them an ideal partner to help bring the company to the next level.
“Their track record in the restaurant industry speaks for itself, and they have proven time and time again that they can create healthy growth. We are constantly looking at optimising our own processes and technologies – and here we can make a lot of progress with McWin as a partner.”
Sticks'n'Sushi was founded in Denmark in 1994 by Thor Andersen, Kim Rahbek Hansen and Jens Rahbek Hansen. Karlsson has been with the group since 2011, overseeing its expansion into the UK before taking over the leadership in 2019. He will continue to lead Sticks'n'Sushi into its next chapter of growth.
“I have been following the success of Sticks'n'Sushi for the last 15 years and their consistent and confident expansion both in and outside of Denmark,” says Henry McGovern, co-founding partner at McWin.
“We are delighted to join forces with Andreas on the next leg of growth. This brand has a lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve.”
Harry Goss, partner and head of foodservice at McWin, adds: “We believe that restaurant customers are seeking quality food at a fair price, great service and an experience when they dine out. Sticks'n'Sushi delivers this in spades.
“Paramount to the further development of the business is nurturing the culture, the values and the people which have made the success to date possible. Andreas and the founders of Sticks'n'Sushi have created a special brand and company.”
“The fundamentals are clearly in place for further growth both in new and existing markets.”
