Bridgepoint sandwiches master franchise and major franchisee together in Burger King deal
Private equity firm Bridgepoint has signed a 20-year deal to become UK master franchisee of Burger King, with exclusive rights to the brand in the UK.
The agreement with Burger King Europe, an affiliate of Restaurant Brands International (which also owns Tim Hortons and Popeyes), comes at the same time that Bridgepoint has acquired Caspian UK Group, one of the UK's largest Burger King franchisees, with 74 restaurants across the country. There are 500 Burger King restaurants in the UK in total.
The terms of the deals were not disclosed.
The new business will be chaired by Martin Robinson, who is chairman of Casual Dining Group and formerly chairman of Centre Parcs and Wagamama.
Robinson and his team will be tasked with reinvigorating the Burger King brand in the UK and growing its portfolio of restaurants.
José Cil, president of the Burger King brand 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."
Robinson added: "Burger King is an iconic global brand with a long-standing heritage in the quick service restaurant market. Working with Bridgepoint and BKE, the team believes it can deliver growth and further opportunities for the brand to flourish in the UK market."
Founded in 1954, the Burger King brand is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world after McDonald's.
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