Global investment firm KKR and PAG, a leading alternative investment firm focused on Asia Pacific, announced the signing of definitive agreements under which PAG will acquire KKR’s controlling interest in Australian Venue Co (“AVC”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
AVC is an established food and beverage hospitality business that owns and operates a portfolio of more than 210 unique pubs, bars and restaurants in metro, suburban and regional locations across Australia and New Zealand.
KKR invested in AVC in 2017 with a portfolio of 50 leasehold venues with the objective of partnering and supporting the growth ambitions of its management team. This successful collaboration has resulted in venue growth of more than 300%.
PAG’s acquisition of AVC marks the firm’s latest investment in Australia’s growing consumer sector. Previous control investments include Craveable Brands, owner of iconic restaurant brands Red Rooster, Oporto, Chargrill Charlie’s and Chicken Treat; The Cheesecake Shop; and Cordina Farms. More recently PAG acquired and integrated together Patties Foods and Vesco Foods, leading manufacturers of some of Australia’s best-loved food brands including Four’N Twenty, Patties and Nanna’s, according to the statement.
David Lang, Partner and Co-Head of KKR Australia and New Zealand, said, “AVC has established itself as a leader in Australia and New Zealand’s dynamic and constantly evolving hospitality sector. We are excited to have worked alongside Paul and AVC’s dedicated team to invest in the company’s expansion and believe that AVC is well positioned for the future. We wish the entire AVC team continued success with PAG.”
Lincoln Pan,Partner and Co-Head of PAG Private Equity, said, “We are very pleased to partner with AVC, a proven market leader with an exceptional management team and great potential. Our goal is to work with strong businesses and help them become even stronger in Australia. AVC has created some of the most unique and iconic venues across Australia and New Zealand, and we are looking forward to supporting them on their next stage of growth.”
Paul Waterson, Australian Venue Co CEO, said, “This is an exciting time for AVC. We are grateful for KKR’s strong support in scaling the business over the years, growing our employee base from 780 to 8,500 people, and creating jobs through growth and investment in our venues. We look forward to working with our new partners in PAG, their investment affirms the strength of the platform and our future growth potential in Australia and New Zealand.”
Jefferies and Allens advised KKR and AVC, and BofA Securities and Ashurst advised PAG, with acquisition financing arranged by KKR Capital Markets.
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