Six years after being set up by PizzaExpress, Zizzi and ASK operator The Gondola Group, Byron Hamburgers has changed hands through a nine-figure deal.

Having grown to its current size of 34 locations primarily in London, Byron has been acquired by Hutton Collins Partners, the firm behind the Hunter wellington boot brand, fellow restaurant business Wagamama and coffee chain Caffe Nero.

Following the change in ownership, Tom Byng and the existing management team of Byron will continue to lead the company.

Harvey Smyth, chief executive of The Gondola Group, comments, ‘Byron has gone from strength to strength since we launched it in 2007.

‘Its passion and innovative approach have already positioned it as an important brand in the casual dining market, with exciting opportunities to continue to grow throughout the UK.’

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• Caffe Nero in £99 million refinancing
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Exiting owner The Gondola Group has holdings such as Zizzi, Milano and Kettner’s which currently serve in excess of 40 million meals a year in 752 restaurants.

Graham Hutton, managing partner at Hutton Collins, adds, ‘Byron has a clear road map for growth and a talented team in pace in deliver it.

‘This transaction complements Hutton Collins’ long experience of generating attractive investment returns in the casual dining and leisure sectors.’

Hutton Collins’ most recent investment came back in September when it backed Dutch hotel owner The Vincent Hotel Group. The firm manages over €1.5 billion of funds which it injects into companies in the UK and continental Europe.