The Dorset-headquartered Koh Group (TKG), owner of the multi-award winning Thai restaurant brand, Koh Thai Tapas, is poised for further growth following a management buyout led by its existing CEO Andrew Lennox, with equity invested by Alcuin Capital Partners, alongside development capital to support its future roll out.
Established in 2009 in Bournemouth, Koh currently operates 12 restaurants across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire. The group has built a strong name in the South, won numerous national awards such as Eat Out’s ‘Brand of the Year 2016’ and is currently ranked 6th in the UK as ‘Best Employer in Hospitality’.
Alongside its restaurants, Koh operates pop-up lounges for private parties and large public events such as the Bournemouth Air Show.
The deal, which completed on 29 November 2016, sees CEO Andrew Lennox and Alcuin buying out the existing shareholders, with Andrew and the management retaining a controlling interest in the business.
As well as its significant equity investment, Alcuin will provide finance for growth and further roll-out of restaurants. This joint venture will see Alcuin - which has previously invested in a number of leading leisure brands including London-based restaurant group Salt Yard, as well as Caffé Nero and Krispy Kreme UK - help the business grow to the next level.
The deal sees the appointment of Paul Lilley as the group’s CFO. Lilley, previously of Busaba, Drake & Morgan and Burger & Lobster, has many years’ experience in the industry and has been brought in to head up the company’s finance team alongside helping to develop the core estate.
It also sees the internal appointment of Sophie Cox to Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will continue to run the operational side of the business as she has done for the last two years.
Andy Lennox, Koh Founder & CEO, The Koh Group (TKG), said, “This deal is the culmination of many years of hard work by the company and positions us perfectly for the next phase of growth. Alcuin have already been an invaluable asset and we are really looking forward to building on the great working relationship we already have with them.
'For the next stage of growth, we have a brilliant company backing us in Alcuin, a war-chest for development and growth, a passionate management team, 12 thriving restaurants, almost 300 loyal staff and many thousands of loyal customers. Following years of dedication by the team this really is a great opportunity for the business and we are incredibly excited about the future'.
