Restaurant group Various Eateries has announced it is actively exploring merger and acquisition opportunities to fuel further expansion, following the release of its stronger profit figures. The company, which operates 20 venues under the Coppa Club and Noci brands, saw its shares rise significantly on Monday morning as it revealed an encouraging trading performance.
Strong Financial Performance and Growth Strategy
Various Eateries reported a 6% increase in revenues, reaching £52.4 million for the year ending September 2025. This growth was supported by a 2% like-for-like increase across the group, bolstered by the opening of new sites. The company highlighted a particularly robust festive trading period, with group like-for-like sales surging by 9% during the five weeks leading up to January 4, driven primarily by strong performance at Coppa Club venues.
Leadership Vision for Expansion
Chief Executive Mark Loughborough emphasised the group's commitment to building a larger and more successful hospitality entity. He stated, "Our goal is to build a bigger, better hospitality group by scaling our brands with discipline, investing selectively in the estate and, alongside organic growth, actively assessing high-quality, complementary M&A opportunities where the strategic fit is clear and the quality and returns stack up." Mr Loughborough noted that the business is progressing with a pipeline of potential new sites, with a strategic focus on expanding the Coppa Club brand.
Overcoming Market Challenges
Despite operating in what it described as a "challenging" wider hospitality market, Various Eateries reported that trading in recent months has been "encouraging." The company attributed its success to improved operational execution, a strengthened team, and a more disciplined approach to management. Mr Loughborough credited these efforts for the return to like-for-like growth and record adjusted EBITDA, acknowledging the ongoing consumer and cost pressures within the sector.
The positive financial update and growth strategy resonated with investors, leading to an 11.4% increase in the company's share price on Monday morning. Various Eateries continues to assess opportunities for both organic growth and strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position.
