Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (‘Freshfields’) has advised JAB, a global investment firm, on its proposed acquisition of Pret A Manger (‘Pret’) from Bridgepoint, an international private equity firm and Pret’s majority owner, and other minority shareholders. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete during the second half of 2018.

Pret is a leading company in the ready-to-eat food market, and operates 530 stores worldwide, generating group revenues of £879 million. JAB Holding Company and JAB Consumer Fund invest in companies with premium brands, attractive growth and strong margin dynamics in the Consumer Goods category.

The Freshfields team was led by partner Chris Mort with support from Patrick Ko. Competition advice was provided by partners Alex Potter and Paul Yde and finance advice was provided by partner Alex Mitchell.