BDO provided M&A advisory support, due diligence services and tax structuring advice to Palatine Private Equity on their investment in Gusto, the Italian restaurant chain. Palatine facilitated the buy-out of Gusto from Tim Bacon and Jeremy Roberts’ Living Ventures Group, providing an exit for The Restaurant Group plc and funds for a roll-out programme. Beechbrook Capital and Barclays provided debt in support of the deal and also the planned roll-out.
Gusto currently operates across nine sites in the North. With Palatine’s support, Gusto is set to continue its growth and already has plans to launch a new flagship restaurant in Manchester city centre as well as further restaurants across the UK, focusing on city centre and affluent suburban locations.
"We were delighted to work with BDO on this transaction. Their technical expertise and, in particular, their knowledge of the restaurant sector meant they were able to provide relevant, insightful advice and analysis that helped us get the deal over the line".
Beth Houghton, Investment Director, Palatine Private Equity