Burger King UK set for rapid expansion following Bridgepoint investment

It will simultaneously acquire Caspian UK Group, one of the UK’s Burger King franchisees with 74 restaurants.

The transaction will see the establishment of a new Burger King UK entity which will be controlled by Bridgepoint with BKE retaining a minority stake. The new entity will enter into a 20 year master franchise agreement giving it the right to be the custodian of the brand in the UK, control over the brand's proposition in the UK, and the right to roll-out new stores across the country.

The transaction will also see Bridgepoint support a highly experienced management buy-in team, headed by chairman-designate Martin Robinson whose experience includes Casual Dining Group, where he is also chairman. Martin was former chairman of Center Parcs and Wagamama. The new team will lead the company's management of the UK territory as well as the roll-out of further stores across the country.

Burger King's president José Cil said, "We are thrilled to announce this agreement to increase the pace of growth for the Burger King brand in the UK, one of the world's largest quick service restaurant markets. The Bridgepoint team has extensive experience in the UK market and a strong track record investing in and developing leading brands in the quick service restaurant industry, which positions them well for success."

Bridgepoint said, "BURGER KING® is a pre-eminent global consumer brand with a robust and growing presence in the UK market, well-liked by consumers. This is an opportunity to work with a highly regarded management buy-in team to re-invigorate a much-loved brand and to grow the existing UK business."