Sell-side advisory to BigChefs’ shareholders in selling minority stake in BigChefs to Taxi Capital

Founded in 2007 in Ankara and later headquartered in Istanbul, Big Chefs is one of the leading casual-dining restaurant chains in Turkey. Having direct operations and franchisees in Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Big Chefs operates in 35 points. Big Chefs is in the phases of expanding its operations to Bahrain and Iran. Big Chefs distinguishes itself by offering a special blend of Turkish, Mediterranean and international menu and serving high-quality and freshly prepared dishes at reasonable prices in a nice and warm atmosphere. Big Chefs has a loyal and growing customer base and serves millions of guests annually through its wide spread restaurant network currently covering Turkey and the Gulf region. Looking forward, Big Chefs plans to fortify its current Turkish and Gulf network and simultaneously expand into Europe and Far East.

Kerim Kotan said on the transaction, “Here are two other firsts from our side. A first investment by Taxim Capital, also the very first M&A transaction and foreign investment into Turkey after the failed coup attempt, showing foreign investors want piece of the pie no matter what…”

Taxim Capital, Turkey based private equity fund, made its initial investment with this transaction. Taxim Capital acquired 40% of Big Chefs.