Epiris announces acquisition of Amber Taverns

POSTED 07 October 2024

Epiris announces acquisition of Amber Taverns
 
Epiris today announces that Epiris Fund III, advised by Epiris LLP, has agreed to acquire Amber Taverns (“Amber”), a leading pub operator in the UK. This is Fund III's fifth investment, following Delinian, LoneStar, Pure Cremation, and GSF Car Parts. Financial terms are not being disclosed. 

Amber operates 178 freehold, wet-led pubs, predominantly in the North of England, the Midlands, Scotland, and Wales. Comprising well-invested, contemporary pubs at the heart of their communities, Amber’s portfolio is uniquely focused on the hybrid “operator-managed” business model. 

The business was founded in 2005 by CEO James Baer and has grown consistently by offering its customers value for money across a broad range of leading drinks brands, served in the highest-quality environment, with a focus on premium live sports coverage and other entertainment such as live music, karaoke, and sports such as interactive darts. 

Among the selling shareholders is Michael George of the mid-market private equity firm MxP, who is also a founding shareholder of Amber Taverns. 

Ian Wood, Partner and Head of the Investment Team at Epiris, said:

“Amber has a firm and clear focus on value and service, with a broad product range served at competitive prices in community settings with a strong entertainment offering. This has enabled it to grow consistently, delivering industry-leading financial performance and taking share in the large and resilient pubs market.”

Bill Priestley, Managing Partner at Epiris, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with James and his team to execute a strategy of investment and growth that will build on the fantastic platform they have created.”

James Baer, CEO of Amber Taverns, said:

“We are excited to enter the next growth phase in partnership with Epiris, who invested the time and effort to understand our business and what makes an Amber pub. We are confident that they can support us in our ambitious expansion plans.

“Epiris’ investment further demonstrates that a well-invested pub focused on serving its local community is a resilient and relevant business model, and it is a vote of confidence not just in Amber but in the sector as a whole.”

The Epiris team on the Amber investment is Ian Wood, Aaron Atwal and Scott Forbes. Epiris was advised by Sapient Corporate Finance, Macfarlanes, CBRE and PwC. Financing is being provided by Alpha Real and Ares Management funds.

Amber Taverns was advised by Rothschild & Co, DLA Piper, Savills and Alvarez & Marsal.

For Epiris LLP please contact:
Greenbrook Advisory
Peter Hewer, Demi Kurban
+44 (0)20 7952 2000
epiris@greenbrookadvisory.com

For Amber Taverns please contact:
Instinctif Partners
Justine Warren
+44 (0)20 7457 2010
Justine.warren@instinctif.com

About Epiris 
Epiris is a private equity firm building great businesses that deliver outstanding returns for investors. The firm focuses on identifying and resolving the complexities which hold businesses back, providing fresh capital and thinking to reposition businesses strategically and in terms of scale and growth. It targets control positions in UK and international businesses with an enterprise value of between £75 million and £750 million, deploying between £50 million and £250 million of equity in each investment. 

Epiris’ current investments include Pure Cremation, the UK’s leading provider of funeral plans; GSF a leading UK supplier of aftermarket automotive parts; LoneStar, a supplier of high-performance fasteners to the world’s energy markets; Delinian, a global B2B information services business; Sepura, a leading global provider of digital radio systems for mission-critical applications; Inchcape Shipping Services, one of the world’s largest maritime services providers; Appello, a leading technology-enabled care provider; Stuart Turner, a producer of pumps and water-boosting products for residential and commercial uses; Sharps, the UK’s leading supplier of bespoke fitted bedroom furniture; The Big Table, a leading UK restaurant operator; Nucleus, an investment platform; Diamorph, a supplier of advanced material solutions for demanding and safety-critical applications; Bonhams, the global auction house; The Club Company, the UK’s largest country club operator; and Portals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper for security documents.

For further information, please visit www.epiris.co.uk. 

Issued by Epiris LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.