Thu 16th Nov 2017 - Bridgepoint becomes Burger King UK master franchisee Bridgepoint becomes Burger King UK master franchisee: Private equity fim Bridgepoint has reached an agreement with Burger King Europe (BKE), an affiliate of Restaurant Brands International, to become the UK master franchisee of Burger King, with exclusive rights to the brand in the UK. It will simultaneously acquire Caspian UK Group, one of the UK’s largest Burger King franchisees with 74 restaurants. The move is likely to see rapid growth of the Burger King brand in the UK which has been run entirely under franchise. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction with BKE will see the establishment of a new Burger King UK entity that 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 Burger King 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. Robinson 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. “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,” said José Cil, president of the Burger King brand. “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 reinvigorate a much-loved brand and to grow the existing UK business.” Robinson said: “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.” Bridgepoint is a European private equity firm. With more than €20bn of capital raised to date, it typically focuses on acquiring well managed companies in attractive sectors helping companies and management teams by investing in expansion, operational transformation or via consolidating acquisitions. Current investments in the food and casual dining sector include Zizzi and ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Deliveroo and Pret A Manger.