YO! Sushi, the iconic leading conveyor belt sushi operator has been acquired by Quilvest and the incumbent management team for an undisclosed consideration. Jamieson is pleased to announce its role in advising the shareholders on the sale of the business. The deal represents a full exit for Primary Capital who backed Robin Rowland, CEO, in an MBO in 2003.
YO! Sushi is the clear UK market leader of Japanese conveyor belt restaurant groups, and is one of the most dynamic groups within UK’s fast casual dining sector. The business has expanded rapidly and currently has 30 restaurants in the UK and a successful and expanding international franchise network with 11 restaurants in the Middle East, Ireland,Malaysia, and Russia. YO! Sushi restaurants can now be found within some of the UK’s premium fashion and travel locations including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Harrods,Heathrow Airport, Paddington Station, Bluewater and the Trafford Centre. The transaction will enable Robin Rowland to accelerate the company’s rollout plan, targeting 100 restaurants worldwide by 2012.
“We are delighted to have advised the shareholders throughout the sale process and to deliver a successful exit to the shareholders of the business and to have given the management team a strong business partner for the future. With the strong leadership and vision of Robin Rowland, the company has grown significantly over the last 4 years to establish itself as one of the best success stories in the restaurant space”.
Adam Hall, Jamieson
Jamieson has enjoyed a strong relationship with Primary Capital and the management team, having originally advised the company on its refinancing in December 2006. Jamieson Corporate Finance used its strong network within mid-market private equity to identify the right strategic partner for Robin Rowland to support YO! Sushi’s roll out plans in the UK and abroad.
“Successfully selling a business requires a financial adviser with both a high IQ and EQ and Jamieson delivered at the top of their game and made the whole process an exciting and positive one. Delivering a successful sale with the right buyer for the business, exit price for selling shareholders and new deal for the incumbent management team all in a tight timetable is like hitting a moving target. Jamieson helped all parties hit the bulls eye in record time.”
Robin Rowland, CEO
