Boparan Restaurant Group acquires GBK out of administration

Boparan Restaurant Group has confirmed its acquisition of the Gourmet Burger King (GBK) brand and 35 sites out of administration, saving more than 600 jobs.

GBK joins Boparan's brand portfolio which also includes the Cinnamon Collection, Fishworks, Carluccio's, Slim Chickens, Giraffe and Ed's Easy Diner. The purchase gives Boparan a 99-strong portfolio of restaurants nationwide with 32 franchised globally.

Satnam Leihal, managing director of Boparan Restaurant Group, said: "We welcome the GBK team to BRG. This latest acquisition is in line with our strategy to grow our restaurant group with quality brands. Whilst it is an extremely challenging time for the sector, we believe quality hospitality businesses will recover in the long term as people return to eating out."

BRG will also continue GBK's franchise partnership in the UAE.

Before lockdown GBK employed almost 1,300 staff across 62 sites, but the chain was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Former owner, South Africa-based Famous Brands, withdrew funding for the brand in April.

The sale is the latest in a string of deals that has reshaped the UK's casual dining landscape since lockdown began in March.

Boparan paid £3.4m to acquire 31 Carluccio's restaurants out of administration in May after the chain struggled with funding.

GBK's high street burger rival Byron was also sold out of administration to investment firm Calveton in July, while chains including The Restaurant Group and Wahaca have undergone restructuring.

GBK was founded in London in 2001 by three New Zealanders, including chef Peter Gordon. Famous Brands bought the chain for £120m in 2016 with a view to grow the business.