The deal, which completed today (28 October) and marks a full exit for BGF, is set to accelerate the roll-out of Mission Mars’s two core brands, Rudy’s Napoletana and Albert’s Schloss, from its current base of 44 sites combined.
The transaction is supported by a debt facility from Santander, HSBC and NatWest. Clearwater acted as debt advisor throughout the process.
The incumbent Mission Mars management team will remain in their roles and continue to lead the business through its next phase of expansion.
Mission Mars says it has delivered impressive growth through FY26, with five new openings all trading ahead of expectations.
Several further openings are planned in the near term, including the first Rudy’s in Scotland, opening in Glasgow later this month.
“It has been clear from early conversations that there is a strong culture and ambition fit between Mission Mars, Artal and the Invus team,” says Roy Ellis, CEO of Mission Mars, discussing the deal.
“Our focus on a world-class product, guest experience, team engagement and sustainable longterm growth remains at the forefront of our plans.
“We are also keen to explore potential strategic acquisitions which could further accelerate our growth plans.”
BGF first invested in Mission Mars in 2018 and, over eight years, has supported the group’s growth from a single Rudy’s and Albert’s Schloss in Manchester to 40 Rudy’s and 4 Albert’s Schloss across the UK.
“We’d like to thank BGF for their support over the past eight years,” Ellis added.
“They backed us at the early stages of growth and have been a supportive partner as we’ve expanded across the UK.”
Houlihan Lokey acted as exclusive sell-side corporate finance advisor to the shareholders.
DWF acted on behalf of Mission Mars as corporate legal counsel and Liberty provided corporate finance advice to management. Jones Day acted as legal advisor to the buyer.
“Roy and the team have built two truly special hospitality concepts, and we are thrilled to partner with them for the next chapter,” says Luc Ta-Ngoc, managing director at Invus.
“Our ambition is to bring Rudy’s and Albert’s Schloss to more people and places, building two enduring brands in the fast-paced UK hospitality market.”