The Samworth Brothers Charity Event
Spayne Lindsay advises The Snowfox Group on the sale to the Zensho Holdings.
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Spayne Lindsay & Co is delighted to announce that it has advised on the sale of Snowfox Group, the largest sushi provider outside of Japan, to Zensho Holdings, the number one Japanese foodservice company by sales listed on the Tokyo Stock exchange, for a total consideration of $621m. The transaction is subject to anti-trust approval from the U.S. regulatory authorities.
This exciting transaction adds to Spayne Lindsay’s credentials advising large restaurant and food groups on complex cross-border sell-side transactions.
The Snowfox Group has established itself as a highly reputable global sushi platform, fulfilling increased consumer demand for Japanese food across its four distinct brands – Snowfox, Bento, Taiko and YO! in North America and the United Kingdom. The Group provides consumers with high quality, convenient and affordable Japanese food and operates approximately 3,000 chef-operated sushi kiosks and other restaurants in North America and the UK, as well as being a sushi manufacturer and wholesaler.
Spayne Lindsay is pleased to have advised Mayfair Equity Partners LLP from start to finish of their investment journey, having advised on the initial acquisition of YO! Sushi, the UK‐focused sushi restaurant business known for its innovative conveyor belt and an iconic consumer brand in 2015, as well as the subsequent acquisitions of Bento Sushi (2017) and Snowfox (2019) that formed key parts of the successful buy & build strategy, through to the ultimate exit to a highly strategic international trade buyer.
“On behalf of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), I would like to thank the Spayne Lindsay Team and its army or supporters for the magnificent effort in the triathlon and the huge number of donations received, its huge achievement and a very material amount for the work of our charity. The money will go towards our three main areas of activity: 1. Research into the causes and treatment of MND; 2. To provide care and support for people living with and affected by MND, and 3. Raising awareness of MND among the general public. Again, THANK YOU and well done for this huge and potentially life-changing contribution.”
The Snowfox Group has established itself as a highly reputable global sushi platform, fulfilling increased consumer demand for Japanese food across its four distinct brands – Snowfox, Bento, Taiko and YO! in North America and the United Kingdom. The Group provides consumers with high quality, convenient and affordable Japanese food and operates approximately 3,000 chef-operated sushi kiosks and other restaurants in North America and the UK, as well as being a sushi manufacturer and wholesaler.
Spayne Lindsay is pleased to have advised Mayfair Equity Partners LLP from start to finish of their investment journey, having advised on the initial acquisition of YO! Sushi, the UK‐focused sushi restaurant business known for its innovative conveyor belt and an iconic consumer brand in 2015, as well as the subsequent acquisitions of Bento Sushi (2017) and Snowfox (2019) that formed key parts of the successful buy & build strategy, through to the ultimate exit to a highly strategic international trade buyer.
Founded by Mr. Louis François in 1908, Louis François is a family-owned French developer of specialty, functional ingredients for gourmet pastry, chocolate, confectionaries and ice-cream premium artisans, culinary experts and food manufacturers. Louis François offers a portfolio of 300+ functional products, serving a diversified client portfolio worldwide composed of artisans, chefs and food producers. The company currently operates 2 sites in France (Croissy-Beaubourg and Jouy-sur-Morin), employing about 30 people.
Novax, a long-term investor and operating partner, is pleased to offer its commitment to together with the team build and expand Louis François over the years to come. Since Novax’ entry into specialty ingredients, marked by the inception of Novax Ingredients, they have been careful and selective in partnering with independent niche leaders with unique, competitive positions. Novax Ingredients is focused on developing clean, functional & sustainable ingredient solutions for the food industry, helping manufacturers solve process & development challenges through product reformulation – be it within improving nutritional profiles or enhancing overall product quality.
Both Novax and Louis François see great mutual potential in collaborating – both companies are niche market leaders with specializations that complement another. Novax will further develop the Louis François brand in full respect of its heritage as prime supplier to the gastronomic sector, premium chefs and artisans.
Louis François is a family-owned French developer of specialty, functional ingredients
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Year
2022
Founded in 2007 by Shaun Pulfrey, Tangle Teezer produces a range of innovative and tailored detangling, blow-drying and styling hairbrushes famous for their unique patented teeth technology. With record revenues of over £30m achieved in 2020 and presence in over 75 countries, the business has grown to become a world-renowned brand, recognised for creating the detangling haircare category, and is swiftly becoming an essential haircare companion to both consumers and haircare professionals. Tangle Teezer’s products are sold through well-established international online and multi-channel retailers with digital channels accounting for over 50% of sales today.
Mayfair is partnering with James Vowles, CEO, and his team to support further product innovation and international expansion. Shaun will remain a minority shareholder in the business.
Tangle Teezer sells patented detangling, blow-drying and styling hairbrushes
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Year
2021
Di Marco is the inventor and the global leader in Pinsa Romana; a light, crunchy and highly digestible alternative to the Neapolitan pizza base. The product has been an exceptional success since its launch in 2001 with Pinsa Romana now being served in several thousands of “Pinserias”, bars, and restaurants in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Di Marco’s products are widely recognised as the gold standard of Pinsa giving Di Marco a leading presence in the foodservice sector in Italy. More recently, it has launched in the grocery channel under the brand “Nuvola” which is growing rapidly in Italy and abroad.
Abénex is a leading French mid-market international private equity firm, with c.€1.5bn of invested capital and more than 75 investments completed since inception, and this represents their first investment in the Italian market.
Di Marco is the inventor and the global leader in Pinsa Romana
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Year
2022
The super-premium plus segment of the rum category is in the early stages of premiumisation, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% in Europe and 27% in the US between 2016-2021. Through the same period, Don Papa Rum consistently outperformed the market in Europe, delivering a 29% CAGR*.
Launched in 2012 by entrepreneur Stephen Carroll, together with Manila-based AJ Garcia, Don Papa is currently available in 30 countries, with France, Germany, and Italy being its largest markets. Don Papa Rum has a unique flavour profile, highly distinctive packaging and an authentic brand story rooted in the unique and beautiful island of Negros Occidental — known locally as ‘Sugarlandia’.
The rum is distilled in the Bago distillery on the island and aged on the island in American oak barrels. The combination of the local sugar cane, unique soil and climate and the oak barrel ageing in the hot tropical climate provides the foundation for Don Papa’s long, rich-textured finish, which carries flavours of vanilla, honey, and candied fruits.
Don Papa is a high growth super-premium, single-island dark rum from the Philipp
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Year
2023
The Snowfox Group has established itself as a highly reputable global sushi platform, fulfilling increased consumer demand for Japanese food across its four distinct brands – Snowfox, Bento, Taiko and YO! in North America and the United Kingdom. The Group provides consumers with high quality, convenient and affordable Japanese food and operates approximately 3,000 chef-operated sushi kiosks and other restaurants in North America and the UK, as well as being a sushi manufacturer and wholesaler.
Spayne Lindsay is pleased to have advised Mayfair Equity Partners LLP from start to finish of their investment journey, having advised on the initial acquisition of YO! Sushi, the UK‐focused sushi restaurant business known for its innovative conveyor belt and an iconic consumer brand in 2015, as well as the subsequent acquisitions of Bento Sushi (2017) and Snowfox (2019) that formed key parts of the successful buy & build strategy, through to the ultimate exit to a highly strategic international trade buyer.
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