Bird & Bird advises Bella Italia on its first international franchise
Published: 31 March 2016
Bella Italia has recently opened up shop in New Delhi. International law firm, Bird & Bird, advised Casual Dining Group (CDG), the largest independent operator of mid-market restaurants in the UK, on the first international franchise venture for its Italian restaurant chain Bella Italia.
Franchise partner, Wave Hospitality, opened the landmark restaurant close to New Delhi’s international airport last month.
The Bird & Bird team included partner Graeme Payne and associate Christina Pennock, who advised the group on the structuring requirements of the franchise relationship, as well as their entry into the Indian market.
Graeme Payne, partner at Bird & Bird, said: “We were thrilled to act for CDG once again with their first international expansion for Bella Italia. CDG are a key player in the casual dining sector, so the Bird & Bird team were delighted to help them break into one of the world's fastest-growing economies. We look forward to continuing the relationship with the group as they continue to expand their operations.”
Mark Nelson, managing director of international franchising and concessions at Casual Dining Group, said: “The opening of Bella Italia in India is a strategically significant development for our business, and a very exciting one too, given the boom in casual dining there.
“As such, it was crucial that we could rely on the best advice available. Bird & Bird have a clear track record in international franchising work, and is the go-to adviser in the international restaurant market.”
Casual Dining Group also operates the Café Rouge, Las Iguanas and La Tasca restaurant brands. CDG has previously worked with the Bird & Bird team with the expansion of Café Rouge into the UAE.
