The move comes as Loungers, which operates all-day café-bar-restaurants sites under the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands, announced a revenue lift of 19.2% and adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 25.0%, in the 24 weeks ended 6 October 2024.
Loungers chairman Alex Reilley said the sale will allow the business to “execute our ambitious growth plans even more decisively and effectively”.
The acquisition is taking place under the newly formed company of CF Exedra Bidco, which is a managed by Fortress, and stated each shareholder will receive 310p per share – the cash offer values the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of Loungers at approximately £338.3m, and at an enterprise value of approximately £350.5m.
Loungers was launched in 2002 and now runs 280 sites across the UK under its three brands with a fourth branch opening of its roadside diner business Brightside earlier this week.
Very confident
Loungers chairman Reilley said: “We remain very confident about Loungers’ future prospects and the half year results that we announced separately today clearly demonstrate the strong momentum that we have in the business.
“Loungers has come a long way since we opened our first site in Bristol in 2002, and we are hugely proud of the jobs we’ve created, the positive impact we’ve made on the UK’s high streets, and the outstanding hospitality our amazing teams have provided since then.
“We are more ambitious than ever and we see Fortress as being an ideal partner to help us take Loungers into the next phase of its growth journey. We believe that the acquisition represents a compelling proposition for all of our stakeholders and will allow us to execute our ambitious growth plans even more decisively and effectively.”
Fortress managing director Domnall Tait added: “Fortress is pleased to present this offer for Loungers, a company we believe holds a strong and differentiated position in its industry.
Impressive increases
“Loungers’ directors have delivered impressive increases in the number of locations, same-store sales and revenues over the past several years – in spite of the recent challenges faced by the wider hospitality sector. This growth, and management’s continued commitment to the business, give us confidence in the company’s growth potential and in the opportunity to increase value.
“Fortress brings to the table a successful track record of investing in consumer-focused businesses across the globe, particularly in the UK. For example, Fortress’s investment in Majestic Wines and Punch Pubs & Co has helped drive the growth of each of those companies.
“This announcement further strengthens Fortress’s commitment to the UK market and to being a responsible steward of and investor in UK businesses.
“Fortress has a high conviction in the future of experience-led retail and hospitality, and believes this is highly complementary to Loungers’ business model, strong operational performance, and impressive management team. Fortress looks forward to partnering with Loungers’ management and to providing them with support to drive the business through its next stage of growth.”
