Wagamama to embark on massive expansion programme

Wagamama is set to embark on a massive expansion programme, opening 20 restaurants a year until it reaches 300 sites.

The news follows the company's acquisition in March this year by private equity firm Duke Street Capital for £215m.

The expansion will be led by Chris Warren, head of the leisure and restaurants team at Cushman & Wakefield, which has been retained by Wagamama to lead the programme.

The focus for growth will be on London and the South East, although the firm will be looking nationwide too. The latest Wagamama opening is in the town centre of Horsham with 20 more openings planned before April 2012.

Warren said: "We are delighted to have been exclusively retained by Wagamama, having already helped it to acquire sites before its purchase by Duke Street Capital. Wagamama has been remarkably successful when rolled out into different types of sites in a variety of regions. The fast casual sector has seen genuine growth in the last 18 months and we are excited to help Wagamama to grow in the coming years."

Sharon Cawthorne, property director of Wagamama, said: "Having been acquired by Duke Street Capital we are now able to put in place a far more aggressive expansion plan. We are delighted to have brought Cushman & Wakefield on board to help us to secure the best locations for our new openings."

Wagamama sold to private equity firm in £215m deal >>

Wagamama 'up for sale' >>

By Neil Gerrard

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