Zambrero secures first external investment
Zambrero, Australia's largest Mexican restaurant franchise, has secured a $250m (£141m) investment from Metric Capital Partners.
The capital manager has taken a minority stake in Zambrero alongside one other investor.
Founded in Canberra in 2005 by entrepreneur Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero has more than 245 quick-service restaurants. In Australia, Zambrero's footprint has grown to more than 210 restaurants and the business has also expanded into the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and the US.
The group's sites in the UK are mainly in and around London, in Kentish Town, Twickenham, Chelmsford, Crough End and Loughton.
Dr Prince said: "We are excited to hit another international growth milestone with the opening of our 20th restaurant across the UK and Ireland in the coming weeks. Whilst it is a challenging time economically across the world, we are a resilient business and look forward to further expansion."
Matthew Kenny, chief executive of Zambrero Australia, added: "Zambrero is proof that values-driven businesses can be very successful while also making a difference. As a proudly Australian founded business, we've been expanding globally for years and our strong business performance gives us the opportunity to take on partners to help us accelerate our global growth. We look forward to continuing to grow the Zambrero network, both locally and internationally, whilst driving more positive change."
