NoHo Partners Expands Its Culinary Empire with Halifax Burgers Acquisition
May 7, 2025, 12:41 pm
In the world of dining, every bite counts. NoHo Partners Plc, a Finnish restaurant powerhouse, has taken a bold step by acquiring a majority stake in the Danish restaurant chain Halifax Burgers. This acquisition, announced on May 5, 2025, marks a significant milestone in NoHo's strategy to expand its footprint in the competitive restaurant landscape of Northern Europe.
Halifax Burgers, established in 2007, is known for pioneering the high-quality sit-down burger experience in Denmark. With 11 locations across the country, the chain has carved out a niche in a market that craves gourmet burgers. In 2024, Halifax Burgers reported an impressive annual revenue of €14 million, showcasing its robust business model and popularity among consumers.
NoHo Partners has acquired a 65% stake in Halifax Burgers, integrating it into its diverse portfolio of over 250 restaurants across Finland, Denmark, and Norway. The founders, Peter Ahn and Ulrich Dehler, will retain minority ownership, ensuring continuity in leadership and operational management. Ahn will report directly to Daniel Vesti Knuttel, NoHo's Country Director in Denmark, creating a bridge between the established brand and its new parent company.
This acquisition is not just about numbers; it’s about synergy. NoHo Partners sees potential for profitability-enhancing synergies between Halifax Burgers and its existing brand, Cocks & Cows. By leveraging operational expertise and local market knowledge, NoHo aims to accelerate Halifax Burgers' growth trajectory. The company’s CEO, Jarno Suominen, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in enhancing NoHo's market position in Denmark, a strategic move that aligns with their international investment strategy.
But what does this mean for the restaurant industry? The acquisition signals a growing trend of consolidation in the food service sector. As competition intensifies, companies are looking for ways to bolster their market presence. NoHo's move is a testament to its commitment to becoming a leading restaurant operator in Northern Europe.
The timing of this acquisition is crucial. Just a day later, on May 6, NoHo Partners released its interim report for the first quarter of 2025. The report revealed a strong performance during what is traditionally the weakest quarter for the industry. Turnover increased by 6.2%, reaching €99.3 million, while operational EBITDA also saw a rise of 6.2%. The company reported a remarkable 2,490.4% increase in net profit, a clear indicator of its resilience and operational efficiency.
In the face of economic challenges, NoHo has managed to maintain a competitive edge. The company's ability to balance inflationary pressures through centralized purchasing agreements has kept personnel costs in check. This operational discipline is crucial as the restaurant industry navigates the complexities of consumer behavior and economic fluctuations.
Looking ahead, NoHo Partners is optimistic about its future. The company has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming for a turnover of approximately €350 million in Finnish operations while maintaining a healthy EBIT margin. The international segment is expected to drive profitable growth, especially with the recent acquisition of Halifax Burgers.
Moreover, NoHo is not just resting on its laurels. The company has plans to open new venues, including an entertainment venue in Jyväskylä and a French-style brasserie in Tampere. These openings reflect NoHo's strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader audience. The upcoming omakase restaurant in Helsinki is another exciting addition, promising a unique dining experience.
The separation of Better Burger Society from NoHo Partners also highlights the company's strategic focus. While NoHo will remain a minority shareholder, this move allows the company to concentrate on its core operations while still benefiting from the growth of the premium burger market.
As consumer purchasing power shows signs of recovery, NoHo is well-positioned for the busy summer season. The restaurant market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, supported by favorable tax decisions from the Finnish government. This environment creates a fertile ground for NoHo to thrive.
In conclusion, NoHo Partners' acquisition of Halifax Burgers is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic maneuver in a dynamic industry. With a clear vision and a robust operational framework, NoHo is poised to enhance its market presence and deliver value to shareholders. The culinary landscape in Northern Europe is evolving, and NoHo Partners is at the forefront of this transformation, ready to serve up success one burger at a time.
Halifax Burgers, established in 2007, is known for pioneering the high-quality sit-down burger experience in Denmark. With 11 locations across the country, the chain has carved out a niche in a market that craves gourmet burgers. In 2024, Halifax Burgers reported an impressive annual revenue of €14 million, showcasing its robust business model and popularity among consumers.
NoHo Partners has acquired a 65% stake in Halifax Burgers, integrating it into its diverse portfolio of over 250 restaurants across Finland, Denmark, and Norway. The founders, Peter Ahn and Ulrich Dehler, will retain minority ownership, ensuring continuity in leadership and operational management. Ahn will report directly to Daniel Vesti Knuttel, NoHo's Country Director in Denmark, creating a bridge between the established brand and its new parent company.
This acquisition is not just about numbers; it’s about synergy. NoHo Partners sees potential for profitability-enhancing synergies between Halifax Burgers and its existing brand, Cocks & Cows. By leveraging operational expertise and local market knowledge, NoHo aims to accelerate Halifax Burgers' growth trajectory. The company’s CEO, Jarno Suominen, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in enhancing NoHo's market position in Denmark, a strategic move that aligns with their international investment strategy.
But what does this mean for the restaurant industry? The acquisition signals a growing trend of consolidation in the food service sector. As competition intensifies, companies are looking for ways to bolster their market presence. NoHo's move is a testament to its commitment to becoming a leading restaurant operator in Northern Europe.
The timing of this acquisition is crucial. Just a day later, on May 6, NoHo Partners released its interim report for the first quarter of 2025. The report revealed a strong performance during what is traditionally the weakest quarter for the industry. Turnover increased by 6.2%, reaching €99.3 million, while operational EBITDA also saw a rise of 6.2%. The company reported a remarkable 2,490.4% increase in net profit, a clear indicator of its resilience and operational efficiency.
In the face of economic challenges, NoHo has managed to maintain a competitive edge. The company's ability to balance inflationary pressures through centralized purchasing agreements has kept personnel costs in check. This operational discipline is crucial as the restaurant industry navigates the complexities of consumer behavior and economic fluctuations.
Looking ahead, NoHo Partners is optimistic about its future. The company has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming for a turnover of approximately €350 million in Finnish operations while maintaining a healthy EBIT margin. The international segment is expected to drive profitable growth, especially with the recent acquisition of Halifax Burgers.
Moreover, NoHo is not just resting on its laurels. The company has plans to open new venues, including an entertainment venue in Jyväskylä and a French-style brasserie in Tampere. These openings reflect NoHo's strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader audience. The upcoming omakase restaurant in Helsinki is another exciting addition, promising a unique dining experience.
The separation of Better Burger Society from NoHo Partners also highlights the company's strategic focus. While NoHo will remain a minority shareholder, this move allows the company to concentrate on its core operations while still benefiting from the growth of the premium burger market.
As consumer purchasing power shows signs of recovery, NoHo is well-positioned for the busy summer season. The restaurant market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, supported by favorable tax decisions from the Finnish government. This environment creates a fertile ground for NoHo to thrive.
In conclusion, NoHo Partners' acquisition of Halifax Burgers is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic maneuver in a dynamic industry. With a clear vision and a robust operational framework, NoHo is poised to enhance its market presence and deliver value to shareholders. The culinary landscape in Northern Europe is evolving, and NoHo Partners is at the forefront of this transformation, ready to serve up success one burger at a time.