Case Studies
01
Hakkasan, Yauatcha and Busaba Eathai Group of Companies of Alan Yau
Executive Finance & Stakeholder Management As a key Executive team member, led finance strategies that secured critical funding—including £4.2m for Yauatcha and £3.2m for Busaba Eathai Ltd.—while managing vital relationships with lenders and advisors to ensure growth stability.
Led exit strategies for both Hakkasan Group and Busaba Eathai, resulting in their successful sales to Qatari Wealth Fund and Phoenix Capital.
Expansion & Business Planning
Developed comprehensive 5-year business plans, transforming concepts like Saka no Hana, Cha Cha Moon, and Princi into thriving Central London establishments, setting the stage for strategic acquisition
Financial Oversight & Team Restructuring
We have established robust accounting practices, controls, and forecasting models while restructuring the finance team to meet high-growth demands and executive stakeholder expectations.
02
Euphorium Bakery
Secured Growth Investment
We facilitated a transformative growth investment by stabilizing the group’s financial health, positioning it for a strategic partial or full exit.
Brand Creation & Expansion
Built a compelling brand story, growing the business from 9 locations to 170 across the UK. Expanded formats included large retail stores, kiosks within Tesco outlets, and standalone high street locations.
Successful Partial & Full Exit to Tesco PLC
Led the sale of a 30% stake to Tesco PLC in 2012, followed by the remaining 70% in 2015, as the Group CFO and High Street COO. Oversaw due diligence and orchestrated both transactions to secure maximum value.
Board-Level Strategic Input
Served on Tesco’s “New Food Experience” Board of Directors, providing strategic oversight and integrating the brand into Tesco’s portfolio.
This project highlights expertise in navigating high-stakes investments, brand scalability, and strategic exits, making it a landmark example of growth and partnership success in the retail sector.
03
Creams Franchising Limited t/a's Creams Desserts Cafe
- Spearheaded financial and operational functions, ensuring alignment with the founders’ strategic vision.
- Developed and executed financial strategies that facilitated growth in the USA and the Middle East.
- We identified and resolved key operational challenges across business areas, enhancing efficiencies and achieving company objectives.
- We built trusted relationships with external stakeholders, contributing to sustainable growth and operational stability.
- Led a successful partial exit, followed by the sale of the remaining business to Pastachio Holding, completing a strategic and profitable exit.
04
The Maine Group (Dubai, Bodrum, Ibiza and Mayfair)
- Collaborated closely with the C-suite and Board to secure growth funding for Pine Tree International, supporting global expansion goals.
- Developed comprehensive investor materials and provided strategic counsel to the Board, helping to shape key growth decisions.
- We played a critical role in advising the CEO and founder on investment strategies to align with company’s vision.
- Led presentations for potential investors across the GCC and UK, representing Pine Tree’s strategic vision and growth potential.