CMS has successfully advised Lloyds Banking Group in relation to the management buyout of Hawksmoor, a renowned steak restaurant business. The acquisition was financed by Lloyds, who have an established lending relationship with the Hawksmoor group.  

Following the buyout, Graphite Capital Partners has acquired a controlling stake in Underdog Restaurants, the operator of the Hawksmoor group.
 
Corporate and Leveraged Finance partner Peter Crichton led the transaction, assisted by senior associate Tom Siggers. The deal involved additional support from the corporate side, led by partner Dipesh Santilale, with assistance from associate Ahmad Khokher.

Commenting on the transaction, Peter Crichton said: “As a Lloyds panel firm, we were able to draw on our experience of assisting Lloyds on similar buyout transactions, and our involvement in this deal further strengthens our relationship with one of our key clients.”