Private equity firm KnightBridge buys Freshly Chopped

Private equity firm KnightBridge Group has today announced a deal to buy healthy food chain Freshly Chopped.

Founded in 2012, Freshly Chopped has over 60 outlets across the island of Ireland, the Netherlands, Cyprus and the UK.

Brian Lee, the co-founder of Freshly Chopped, will have a minority shareholding in the new structure of Freshly Chopped and act as an advisor and brand ambassador.

KnightBridge Group, which recently launched its Hospitality Division, will retain the existing Freshly Chopped senior management and head office team.

Existing franchisees and the day to day operation of the company owned stores will not be affected.

KnightBridge said it will inject a “significant investment” into Freshly Chopped to rejuvenate its branding and devise a new menu offering.

Brian Lee said today marks an exciting new chapter in the story of Freshly Chopped.

“Today is a significant milestone for Freshly Chopped and, on a personal level, it’s the beginning of a new chapter that allows me the opportunity to explore new entrepreneurial avenues and passions,” he added.

Kent Lim, founding partner of KnightBridge Group, a board member of Irish Franchise Association and Restaurants Association of Ireland, previously worked with Freshly Chopped, and is very optimistic about the brand’s future.

“By leveraging our international network and our expertise in investment and franchising, we see a very bright future for Freshly Chopped,” he said.

He will spearhead the Hospitality Division of KnightBridge, and is also appointed the new CEO of Freshly Chopped.

Jonathan Parkhill, who has worked as the Business Development Director with Freshly Chopped for the past 10 years, will remain in his pivotal role for the brand. He will also join the Board of KnightBridge Hospitality.

Bock Liang, Group Chairman of KnightBridge, said the Hospitality Division of KnightBridge has ambitious plans and is in active acquisition mode, with a particular interest in indigenous food brands in their early days who are looking to scale and expand.

KnightBridge Group has strategic partner and office presences in Dublin, London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.