Ashridge Capital completes £2m investment in Oakman Inns & Restaurants

Ashridge Capital has invested £2m of growth capital in Oakman Inns & Restaurants Ltd, a rapidly expanding chain of Mediterranean inspired restaurants.

Oakman has eight sites in market towns in Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It prides itself on delicious, hearty food made from scratch in open kitchens, a carefully sourced selection of wine, beers, local real ales and a range of innovative cocktails. Oakman spaces juxtapose traditional features in historic buildings with a contemporary design edge, providing sophistication and style with warmth and comfort.

The business was founded by Peter Borg-Neal, CEO, in 2007. This is Peter's third venture in the sector, the previous two having delivered good returns for shareholders. Oakman plans to more than double the business over the next four years.

Patrick Booth-Clibborn on Marechale Capital advised the shareholders on the transaction. Financial due diligence was provided by Mark O’leary of Jenson Solutions. Andrew Masraf of Pinsent Masons acted as legal advisor to Ashridge Capital.

August 2013

Notes for editors

Ashridge Capital

Ashridge Capital is owned and run by David Sherratt, the former CEO of Kaupthing Capital Partners, the private equity arm of Kaupthing Bank. It was founded in 2009 and, through its maiden fund and co-investment pool, focuses on £2-20m equity investments in UK companies, with a generalist sector approach and a proactive focus on buy and build and roll-out investments in the healthcare, leisure, retail and outsourcing.