Investment

Our coverage tracks financial activity shaping the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from venture capital and private equity backing to corporate acquisitions, refinancing deals, and growth funding. Our reporting is focused on the operators, brands, and concepts attracting capital, and what that means for the wider industry. Whether you’re a restaurant group seeking funding, a pub chain monitoring market valuations, or a catering contractor analysing competitor growth, our investment coverage delivers intelligence that helps business leaders understand where money is flowing, and why. Expect deep dives, expert commentary, and deal-by-deal context, all tailored to the foodservice trade.

Feb- 2021 -

15 February

Coronavirus

Over 160 hospitality CEOs urge chancellor to back sector in 2021

Over 160 CEOs from the UK’s leading hospitality businesses, employing hundreds of thousands of people, have written to the chancellor ahead of next month’s Budget. The letter, coordinated by trade body UKHospitality, calls for decisive support to help the sector survive, rebuild and drive the economic recovery and highlights two…
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11 February

Pubs and Bars

Platinum abandons Marston’s takeover

Platinum Equity, a US-based private equity firm, has confirmed that it will no longer move forward with a proposed takeover of Marston’s, after the pub group “unanimously rejected” its proposal earlier this month. Last month, Marston’s confirmed that Platinum put forward an unsolicited, non-binding proposal of a possible cash bid…
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10 February

Restaurants

Big Table Group agrees deal with Centre Parcs restaurants

continued demand for our Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas brands in high volume, high quality locations. “Alongside this, the deal is testament to the commitment each of our restaurants have to delivering fantastic dining experiences to Center Parcs’ guests and the significant investment will ensure that we can…
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10 February

Coronavirus

Hospitality sector attracted investment in 2020 despite Covid-19

BDO’s annual ‘Restaurants and Bars Report’ has found that despite the tough trading conditions, the restaurant, pub and bar sector continued to attract investment in 2020. According to the group, interest from investors was judged by the fact that the eventual loosening of lockdown restrictions and a successful vaccine roll-out…
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2 February

Breweries and Distilleries

Marston’s ‘unanimously rejects’ Platinum takeover bid

Marston’s, the brewery, pub, and hotel operator, has rejected a takeover bid submitted by Platinum Equity, a US-based private equity investment firm. The proposal, which represented 105 pence per Marston’s share, was “unanimously rejected” on the grounds that it “very significantly undervalues” the brand. A regulatory statement from the firm…
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1 February

Breweries and Distilleries

US equity firm eyes Marston’s takeover

Marston’s, the brewery, pub and hotel operator, is reportedly subject to a takeover approach from the US-based private equity investment firm, Platinum Equity. According to Bloomberg, Marston’s revealed on Friday 29 February that Platinum put forward an unsolicited, non-binding proposal of a possible cash bid to the group. The company’s…
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Jan- 2021 -

29 January

Restaurants

Various Eateries receives £2.5m business interruption payout

Various Eateries, a restaurant owner, developer, and operator, has received £2.5m through its business interruption policy. The funds, which reportedly fall short of compensating the group’s losses during the pandemic, have supported Various Eateries’ overall liquidity. While establishments have remained closed across the UK due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the…
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27 January

Pubs and Bars

Tim Martin sells £50.3m of JD Wetherspoon shares

Chairman of JD Wheterspoon Tim Martin, has sold shares worth £50.3m to capitalise on the “significant buying interest” following the company placing last week. On 26 January, Martin announced that he sold 4,370,000 of the company’s ordinary shares at a price of £11.50 per share. Taking his holding in the…
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27 January

Pubs and Bars

Red Mist pubs receives investor backing

Red Lion Holdings (RLH), a joint venture comprising industry investors David Ramsey, John Mayers, and private equity firm, Revcap, has acquired a majority stake in the pub company Red Mist Leisure. Established in 2004, Red Mist now operates a portfolio of ten gastropubs and inns across Surrey and Hampshire. The…
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25 January

Pubs and Bars

Pub veterans join chase for M&A investment

Mark McQuarter and Mark Crowther are the latest in a succession of pub sector veterans seeking backing for pub deals, as reported by the Times. The former boss of Barracuda Pub Company and Revolution Bars, McQuarter has now been named as chairman of London pub operator, Portobello Brewery. He confirmed…
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