(Press Release) The Carlyle Group acquired a 75% stake Gastronomía & Negocios, Chile’s largest franchise of quick service restaurants for an undisclosed amount.

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) today announced the acquisition of 75% of Gastronomía & Negocios S.A., Chile’s largest franchisor of quick service restaurants (QSR) with strong proprietary brands such as Doggis, Juan Maestro, Mamut and Tommy Beans, from the Duch and Fuenzalida families, who retain a 25% stake in the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Marco Peschiera, Managing Director and Head of the Carlyle Peru Fund team (CPF), commented, “We are excited to acquire a company with robust and established brands, strong consumer loyalty, excellent franchisee relationships, and at the same time to partner with a prestigious group of entrepreneurs and outstanding management team, who have contributed to the consolidation of G&N’s leadership position in Chile. We are also confident in the growth prospects of G&N.” Sebastian Barriga, Vice President on the CPF team, who coordinates Carlyle’s efforts in this investment, said, “We are honored to become part of this staple of Chilean food culture, as well as to partner with G&N’s network of franchisees who are instrumental in this success.”

G&N is a company with 30+ years of history, more than 320 stores throughout Chile, restaurant-wide revenues of more than US$150m and with more than 3,000 direct employees. The company is a pioneer in the development and consolidation of the franchise model in Chile, currently operating with 70+ franchisees. G&N was established in 1983 by Duch brothers Ricardo, Juan Sebastián and Cristian, along with Oscar Fuenzalida.

Equity for the investment came from the Carlyle Peru Fund.