All Professional Services articles – Page 2
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Analysis & InsightWho has had a pizza the action? A history of PizzaExpress over three decades
PizzaExpress has had seven different owners since founder Peter Boizot’s sale to Luke Johnson’s and Hugh Osmond in 1993, including being quoted plc twice, and four separate private equity owners. In this deep dive analysis drawing on decades of research, Geof Collyer of Lavender Bank Parters explores what has been invested, who has made or lost money during ownership, and who has looked after the business.
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NewsCalls for ‘radical changes’ to business rates appeal system amid ‘tsunami’ of challenges
Colliers warns that ratepayers are facing ‘carnage’ as the number of business rates appeals registered in Q1 2026 is nearly five times higher than those submitted in Q4 2025
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NewsActivist hedge fund calls for sale of Whitbread
Corvex Management has written to Whitbread’s board and shareholders demanding a ‘rigorous and comprehensive’ sale process be launched for the business
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NewsSpaghetti House ceases trading following collapse of parent company
The London-based Italian restaurant group, which has had a presence in the capital since 1955, has closed all sites with owner Lavval Restaurants Limited set to be wound down
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Analysis & InsightSixes looks to future under new ownership
The experiential cricket concept has been acquired by a new vehicle, Sixes Entertainment Limited, backed by its secured lenders: Aurora Leasing and Vantage Capital
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NewsPhilip Harrison steps down from design consultancy after 37 years
Considered a pioneering figure in the sector, Harrison has built a reputation for helping shape some the most influential hospitality environments and brands of the past four decades
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NewsWren Pubs appoints Rupert Clevely as non-executive chairman
The Geronimo Inns founder, who was also a key figure in the early success of Pizza Pilgrims, joins Wren as it prepares for its next phase of expansion
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NewsPapa John’s and Pizza Hut sales gather momentum
The American pizza chains are moving closer to potential ownership changes as part of seperate transactions which could see them taken private, according to Bloomberg
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NewsStonegate: ‘Constructive discussions ongoing with landlords’
The pub and bar group is working with advisors at FRP to restructure its leasehold business in response to inflationary and tax pressures
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NewsPrestige Purchasing acquired by Entegra
Prestige Purchasing CEO Shaun Allen said the acquisition would open up additional opportunities to deliver further value for our clients
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NewsSona secures £34m Series B investment
Led by N47, the funding will accelerate the development of Sona’s forecasting, scheduling, and workforce AI platform
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Analysis & InsightPutting F&B in the driving seat of experiences
As consumers seek out memorable and engaging experiences across cultural destinations, entertainment venues and even garden centres, it is essential that the F&B offering delivers on increasingly elevated expectations
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OpinionLyndon Lea’s cosy Epstein connections are ‘no concern’ for Lion Capital
The private equity firm behind Gordon Ramsay’s expansion drive has told MCA it sees no conflict with co-founder Lyndon Lea’s close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and its stated position on slavery and human trafficking
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Analysis & InsightNumber of UK food halls rises 31%
Data from hospitality consultancy Next Phase reveals ‘the strongest growth figures yet for the UK food hall sector’ with just one closure recorded across the segment in the past year
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NewsBrewDog entered administration with debts of £585m
Certain secured and preferential creditors will see some returns from the process, but most of the debts, including Equity for Punk shareholders and private equity investment from TSG, will be effectively written off
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NewsFulham Shore weighs restructuring options for The Real Greek
The Greek-focused casual dining chain could face a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) under options being considered by its parent company
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NewsIrth Capital makes bid for Papa Johns International
The Qatari-backed investment fund has offered to pay $47 per share for the pizza giant, which would value it at around $1.5bn
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NewsSixco scraps crowdfund and undertakes corporate restructuring
The group behind expanding tasting menu restaurant brand Six by Nico said the ‘community-first’ crowdfund it launched last year did not meet the threshold required, despite generating ‘meaningful interest’
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NewsFulham Shore could face ‘substantial’ closures, Toridoll warns
The Japanese owner of The Real Greek and Franco Manca operator says the group is ‘examining a wide range of restructuring options amid ongoing soft market conditions’
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NewsRoyal Unibrew weighs BrewDog takeover
The Danish brewing giant is reportedly among a number of parties said to be ‘seriously interested’ in BrewDog