The deal gives both parties an equal 50% stake in a new holding company creating one group, executive management team, and board of directors headquartered in London.
Billed as a strategic tie-up, the deal ‘strengthens the existing partnership between Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and Lion Capital’ aligning both organisations’ ‘interests in scaling the brand across global markets, as well as diversifying its business model’.
The group, which currently has nearly 100 restaurants worldwide with the majority in the UK and US, has plans to open new locations over the coming years with a focus on franchising.
Since 2019, funds associated with Lion Capital have owned 50% of Gordon Ramsay’s North American restaurant footprint, investing $100 million to support the growth of new locations across the US and Canada.
This new deal, guided by Rothschild & Co, ‘furthers their shared commitment to developing the brand internationally, and better positions it to capture emerging opportunities’.
The group has already started to expand its global partnerships and footprint in recent months, signing an agreement to serve hospitality clients at 10 races during this year’s Formula 1 season, the opening of Europe’s highest restaurant at 22 Bishopsgate in London – which is set to create over 250 jobs – and partnering with new franchise owners to further propel the brand’s footprint across the U.S.
“This is an exciting new chapter for our business, building on over five years of collaboration with Lion Capital,” Ramsay says “Together, and with the support of a brilliant team, we are poised to grow our international reach, create new partnerships, and bring exceptional dining experiences to more people around the world.”
Robert Darwent, co-founder and partner at Lion Capital, added: “We’re thrilled to broaden our partnership with Gordon and the team. The brand is synonymous with excellence and creativity across its dining categories – whether Michelin star, premium casual or casual - and we see significant potential for more growth.”
