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London law firm part of restaurant chain’s stock market bid

Howard Kennedy, the London-based law firm, is advising the Lebanese restaurant chain Comptoir Group plc on its recent AIM listing.

The chain, which currently operates a mix of 11 Comptoir Libanais restaurants, franchised outlets as well as standalone high-end restaurants Levant and Kenza, listed on London’s Alternative Investment Market on Tuesday, raising £16m.

Founded by restaurateur Tony Kitous, who has built the brand up after arriving in Britain in 1998 with only £70 in his pocket, the float sees Comptoir embark on the next step in its growth plans as it hopes to use the cash to open 50 restaurants over the next five years.

The Howard Kennedy team tasked with advising the restaurant was led by Partner and Head of Capital Markets Keith Lassman, and included support from Corporate Associates Matthew Astbury, Amardeep Vangar, and Sian Dewing with Senior Associate Lydia Christie advising on employment law aspects.

Keith Lassman said: “Comptoir Libanais is one of the UK’s fastest growing restaurant chains in the UK, with its focus on socialising and not just refueling. Strong interest from institutions has seen Comptoir Group increase its share offer to £16m. We are delighted to be part of the Comptoir Group’s success story.”

The law firm are well versed in the retail and hospitality sector, counting Carluccio’s, KFC and Pizza Hut amongst its restaurant’s clients.