Burgers to fuel appetite for M&A activity
A RESURGENCE in posh burger joints and quality fast food is set to fuel M&A activity in the restaurant sector this year, according to new research published today by accountants BDO.
The firm’s annual restaurant and bars report says that while deal volumes remain low compared with the halcyon days of the early 2000s, it forecasts a pick-up in deal activity in 2013, with so-called fast casual dining concepts – particularly in London – attracting trade buyers as well as debt and equity investors.
BDO predicts fast casual dining will continue to be the fastest growing sector of the market with consumers favouring the format over full service restaurants and quick service fast food.
New restaurant concepts such as Burger and Lobster and Meat Liquor have launched this year turning classic fast food into a new gastronomic artform.
David Campbell, head of BDO’s restaurants division, said, “Four years of recession have seen people focus on value for money, but that doesn’t mean they won’t pay a premium price for a quality product.”