Deep Blue acquires Harry Ramsden’s from Boparan

Deep Blue Restaurants has acquired Harry Ramsden’s from Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).

The transaction sees the 25-strong Deep Blue take over the entire estate of the Harry Ramsden brand, debt free, which includes outlets in 34 locations across the UK, Ireland and Malaysia.

BRG will retain an interest in the enlarged business, and is part of a simplification of its restaurant portfolio.

The deal will make South East-based Deep Blue the largest player in the fish and chip market.

Details of the deal were not disclosed. 

James Low, founder and CEO of Deep Blue said: “We are delighted with this transaction which has accelerated our growth, making us the largest player in the market by a considerable margin. Our immediate focus will be on the integration of the business into the Deep Blue organisation. Our amalgamation with Harry Ramsden’s is a key milestone in our development but we remain committed to exploiting the unparalleled opportunities within the sector for further expansion.”

Tom Crowley, CEO of BRG, said: “This is an important strategic move for BRG and one which enables us to simplify our future business and allow us to focus on the opportunities for our core brands of Giraffe, Ed’s Easy Diner, Fishworks and the roll out of Slim Chickens, whilst still retaining an ongoing interest in the Fish & Chip sector.”