Exclusive – Mission Mars appoints advisors to assess options: Mission Mars, the owners of the Albert's Schloss bar business and Rudy's Pizza Napoletana brand, has hired advisors to assess its funding options for its next stage of growth, which could include the exit of current backer Business Growth Fund (BGF), Propel has learned. Propel understands Mission Mars is working with advisors at Houlihan Lokey on its options for the whole of the circa 40-strong business. Mission Mars, which is led by Roy Ellis, who co-founded the Revolution bar chain, was launched in 2015. The BGF invested £10m into the business in summer 2018, and after seven years of backing is now set to explore exit options. Mission Mars currently operates four Albert's Schloss sites, including a flagship site in London's West End that opened last year, and circa 35 Rudy's site across the UK. The company has previously spoken about taking Albert's Schloss overseas, with Las Vegas mooted as a possible future destination. It is also understood to have a healthy pipeline of openings in place for Rudy's, including an upcoming site in Cambridge. Mission Mars recently promoted Michael Woolley, its chief financial officer since 2018, to chief operating officer/chief financial officer. The business said: “Michael’s experience and in-depth knowledge of our business along with his specific skill set positions him perfectly to lead and take responsibility for a wide range of operational systems and processes that will lead to improved guest experience, team engagement and efficiency.” Earlier this year, Ellis told Propel that the company had seen "resilient" trading in the first half of its 2025 financial year, with Albert's Schloss delivering record revenue of £25.3m (2024: £18.9m) and Rudy's Napoletana also delivering record first half revenue of £29.0m (2024: £19.9m). It came as the business reported its revenue passed £90m in the year to the end of September 2024, driven by a circa £16m increase in Rudy's turnover. Revenue for the year totalled £92.9m (2023: £71.1m) with Albert's Schloss contributing £37.5m (2023: £32.3m) and Rudy's £46.4m (2023: £29.3m). On a like-for-like basis, both Albert's Schloss and Rudy's delivered consecutive year-on-year growth, with both brands tracking around 8%-10% ahead of their comparable market segments in the CGA RSM Hospitality Tracker for the same period. Group adjusted site Ebitda for the period was £14.7m (2023: £13.9m). Mission Mars, BGF and Houlihan Lokey declined to comment. Mission Mars features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the latest edition of which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 10 October) and feature 1,177 companies. Mission Mars turnover of £92,882,279 for the year ending 29 September 2024 is the 140th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.