The London-based pubco has been fully acquired in a private investment round led by founder and managing director Dominic Jacobs.
Backed by a new American private investor, the group will trade as the Ardent Pub Group (Ardent) going forward.
Strong performance
It said the investment will enable the group to accelerate growth, targeting eight new openings across London and beyond in the next three to five years.
Established in 2021 as a partnership between Dominic Jacobs and JKS Restaurants, the pubco’s portfolio includes the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, the George in Fitzrovia and the Hound in Chiswick.
Following the acquisition, Ardent reported a 20% year-on-year uplift in sales growth for the group and more than 40% year-on-year rises in EBITDA, demonstrating “strong performance” despite industry-wide cost pressures and regulatory changes.
Commenting on the procurement, Jacobs said: “This is a hugely proud moment for me and for the Ardent team.
Incredible journey
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Jyo, Karam and Sue for their belief, guidance and friendship over the past few years - we simply wouldn’t be here without them. I’m delighted we can take forward the pubs we built together under Ardent Pub Group.”
JKS Restaurants CEO and co-founder Jyotin Sethi added: “Partnering with Dom and the team over the past four years has been an incredible journey, and this transaction represents a great outcome for all JKS Pubs stakeholders.
“Together, we’ve shaped what we believe a true modern British pub can be, and we’re immensely proud of what we have created - three brilliant pubs that are beacons of warmth and hospitality, with a brilliant team behind them.
“As Ardent embarks on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to watching their continued success and growth, and we have every confidence that they will set new benchmarks for the industry.”
