Travers Smith has won the lead mandate for longstanding client Bridgepoint on its acquisition of Burger King’s UK business.

Private equity partner Ian Shawyer led Travers’ team for Bridgepoint, with tax head Simon Skinner also advising on the transaction.

The franchising and commercial contracts aspects of the transaction were handled by senior associate James Longster.

Macfarlanes private equity partner Jessica Adam advised the management team that is being brought into the venture to lead the company. She was supported by tax partner Peter Abbott and partner Hayley Robinson working on employment issues.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bridgepoint will become the UK master franchisee of the fast food retailer, with exclusive rights to the brand in the UK.

It will simultaneously acquire Caspian UK Group, one of the UK’s largest Burger King franchisees with 74 restaurants.

Caspian UK was advised by KPMG director and solicitor Richard Phillips, with the Big Four firm also supporting the company on corporate finance, tax and pensions issues.

The seller Burger King is understood to have led the deal in-house, with lawyer Lisa Giles-Klein leading from the Americas.

Burger King Europe is an affiliate of Restaurant Brands International – a Canadian conglomerate company formed after the merger of Burger King and restaurant chain Tim Hortons.

Burger King Europe is to retain a minority stake in the UK entity.

Background to the deal

Travers Smith continues to win bumper deals from Bridgepoint, particularly on the leisure and hospitality side.

Last year the firm advised majority-owned Bridgepoint venture Pret A Manger on its refinancing, while it also won the mandate to advise on its acquisition of ASK Italian and Zizzi from Cinven.

Partner Ian Shawyer further worked on Bridgepoint’s £655m acquisition of the Scottish housebuilder Miller Homes over the summer.

The strong ties go as far back as 2008 when private equity star Charlie Barter left the firm to join Bridgepoint as its general counsel.