Following the procurement of a £2 million equity investment, Northern Irish coffee shop chain Bob & Berts is set to expand into both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland, opening 30 new outlets and generating an estimated 600 jobs between the two countries.
The Irish Times reports that hospitality industry expert Mohan Mansigani will be joining the Bob & Berts' Board as the firm's non-executive chair as part of the investment agreement, with BGF investor Gemma Hamilton also being brought on board.
Bob & Berts was founded by Portstewart resident Colin McLean alongside his father Arnold and brother-in-law David Ferguson and currently operates 16 stores in Northern Ireland. BGF's backing of the firm represents the Fund's third major investment in Northern Ireland to date.
Head of BGF's Northern Ireland and Central Scotland team Patrick Graham commented that the Fund sees "a strong pipeline of quality opportunities in the North. As a result, we hope to continue growing our level of investment into Northern Irish businesses over the coming months and years."
