Shoosmiths’ corporate team has provided expert legal advice to M Restaurants on its sale to Lomo Bidco, owner of famed restaurant brand, Gaucho.
M Restaurants were voted ‘Best for Steak and Seafood’ in the Tatler Restaurant Guide and have won The Open Table ‘Diners Choice Awards’ no less than 8 times. Focusing on five key elements, Raw, Bar, Grill, Wine and Den, CEO Martin Williams has undoubtedly found the recipe for success.
Martin was previously managing director of Gaucho, a series of 16 Argentinian style restaurants well known for their exuberant style. Lomo Bidco acquired Gaucho in October 2018, resulting in its exit from administration and 750 jobs being saved, and with Martin leading Gaucho since to consistent growth.
The combined restaurant venture will be renamed Rare Restaurants. Gaucho and M will have independent teams on the ground and a single head office run by a senior management team with years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Shoosmiths has advised Martin and M Restaurants since the beginning of their journey, helping them to set up and expand their business through a series of funding rounds.
Stephen Porter, head of the corporate division at Shoosmiths said:
“From the start of the journey, through to this merger with Gaucho, Shoosmiths has advised M Restaurants on setting up and expanding their businesses via a series of funding rounds. Our London team led by corporate partner David Harrison played a leading role in counselling M through this complex merger process, which involved coordinating the sale of shares of over 60 shareholders. We’re looking forward to continuing to support Martin and his new team as they lead their latest venture as Rare Restaurants, and assisting with the next growth stage for this fresh, energetic brand.”