A Travers Smith team led by corporate partner Ian Shawyer has advised Azzurri Group on its first acquisition since it acquired the ASK Italian and Zizzi restaurant businesses with backing from leading European private equity firm Bridgepoint at the end of 2014.
The acquisition was of Coco di Mama, one of London’s fastest growing quick-service food brands, serving 30,000 customers a week from 6 stores. Coco di Mama was founded in 2011 by Jeremy Sanders and Daniel Land, both of whom will remain with the business to execute its growth strategy. It specialises in fresh, fast and healthy Italian food, including pasta, baguettes, salads and coffee.
Azzurri is a leading UK operator of Italian casual dining restaurants, with 248 sites throughout the country. The combination with Coco di Mama is an important step in Azzurri’s ambition to become the UK’s leading specialist in Italian cuisine.
Corporate partner Ian Shawyer and associates Sonal Patel, Joanna Roberts, Aisling Scott and Stephanie Young provided corporate law advice to Azzurri Group. Tax advice was provided by a team led by tax partner Jessica Kemp and associate Camilla Southall. The finance team was led by banking Senior Counsel, Barry Newman.
Coco di Mama was advised by Nabarro.