Benjamin Patou and Walter Butler intend to work together to accelerate Moma’s development and establish the company as one of Europe’s leading premium restaurant concepts, symbolising a unique “art de recevoir” in France and internationally.

Moma Group announced that Butler Industries has acquired a significant minority stake in the company. Walter Butler has been appointed as non-executive vice-president and Board member.

This strategic partnership is part of a shared long-term vision to accelerate the ambitious growth set by Moma Group to open more than 40 new venues by 2025, building on the strength of its iconic brands such as Lapérouse, Mimosa, Casa Amor and Noto in high-potential areas including the United States, the Middle East and major European capitals.

Over the last decade, Moma Group has established itself as a key operator in the events, hospitality and festive restaurant industries in France, deploying an end-to-end offering for its clients based on one ambition: to provide them with unique experiences in exceptional venues.

Butler Industries’ financial backing and wealth of experience are concomitant with an acceleration the history of Moma Group, as the company is set to unveil some fifteen new addresses over the next 12 months, including: Noto in Marrakech; Mimosa, Café Lapérouse, Noto and Manko in Saudi Arabia; Manko in Athens; Casa Amor in Dubai; Café Lapérouse in Miami; Noto in Nice; Mimosa in London, just weeks after the recent opening of Café Lapérouse in the British capital.

Since its inception in 1991, Butler Industries has developed recognised expertise in the restaurant and events industries, with significant investments in iconic assets such as Paradis Latin cabaret, Pierre Hermé, L’Ambroisie, Partouche, La Liste as well as several wine estates.

Commenting on the deal, Benjamin Patou, Founder and President of Moma Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Butler Industries and Walter Butler to the capital of Moma Group, alongside Patrick Bruel and Eric Sitruk, who remain fully committed. As entrepreneurs with a passion for hospitality and French savoir-vivre, we share with Walter Butler the desire to continue to build Moma Group’s reputation beyond France’s borders. With this investment, Moma Group can count on a new partner with significant financial resources, commitment and expertise to accelerate its profitable growth and create interesting synergies between our brands.”

Walter Butler, Chairman of Butler Industries, also commented: “It is a great pleasure for me and for Butler Industries to become today the leading minority shareholder of Moma Group, alongside Benjamin Patou, and to be associated with a personality who contributes to the influence of French art de vivre throughout the world. Much more than a financial investment, this is an investment in French expertise in the art of living, and in a long-term project.”

Transaction advisors

For Moma Group 

Financial advisors: Lazard (Jean-Philippe Bescond, Olivier Le Maire)

Legal advisors: White & Case (Guillaume Vitrich, Simon Martin Gousset), Oriamedia (Mathieu Davy, Juliette Martin, Juliette Hueber)

For Butler Industries

Legal advisors: BDGS (Antoine Bonasse, David Andréani, Anaëlle Rioufol), Taliens (Grégoire Triet, Emilie Gras), Jeantet (Laetitia Ternisien)

Due Diligences: June Partners (Fabrice Keller, Baptiste Giordano, Mégane Letainturier), KPMG (Florence Olivier, Bénédicte Perez)

Press contacts

Moma Group 

Alexandra van Weddingen                              Eléonore Barreyre

Alva                                                                 Alva

[email protected]           [email protected]

06 11 01 17 91                                                 06 48 17 52 22

Alexis de Maigret

Vae Solis

[email protected]

06 13 62 38 23

About Moma Group 

Moma Group offers its clients an integrated range of services: 800 employees working in four areas of the events industry – catering, venues, consultancy and shows. Recognised expertise in the creation of restaurants, unique venues and event strategies for companies, brands and institutions. As the owner of a number of unique establishments, the Moma Group is developing cutting-edge expertise in operations, communications and marketing as well as in the catering sector, drawing its success from its ability to bring together talent and personalities around strong concepts. For more information: www.moma-group.com

About Butler Industries

Founded in 1991, Butler Industries is a global industrial investor with offices in Paris, Shanghai, London and Singapore and a presence in 30 countries on 5 continents. The Group is involved in all phases of a company’s life and actively supports the implementation of long-term growth strategies. For almost 15 years, the Group has concentrated its investments in growth companies, start-ups and technology businesses, both in Europe and Asia. The Group’s main investments (outside the lifestyle division) are in the defence and security sectors, and in savings, through CorumButler. For further information: www.butlerindustries.com