Founded in 1986, the company had over 500 shops across the UK, US, France, Hong Kong, China and Dubai by the time Bridgepoint sold its stake in 2018. Pret A Manager employed approximately 12,000 people globally at that point, representing an annual growth rate of approx. 15% during our investment period.
With a strong growth track record, a distinctive culture and an appealing product offering, the company capitalised on food and consumer lifestyle changes driven by the trend for premium healthy eating. Under Bridgepoint’s ownership, the company expanded its store numbers by 11% per annum as it sought to transform the business through controlled expansion to become truly international in scale.