HSBC helps firm to take a larger slice of the pizza market

PIZZA franchise business PH Leicester has acquired four Pizza Hut Delivery outlets across the Midlands after securing a £775,000 funding package from HSBC.

One of the outlets is in Tamworth town centre while the other three are in the East Midlands.

HSBC provided the finance in a deal managed by senior commercial manager Chris Alsop, who worked with colleagues in HSBC’s specialist franchise team on the transaction.

PH Leicester was founded by Umer Chohan, who started the business in 2009. He acquired the Pizza Hut Delivery outlets after disposing of his previous Domino’s Pizza outlets and now plans to develop a portfolio of ten outlets over the next 12 months.

The company has identified sites –  including one in Nuneaton – for new outlets and hopes to open them in the coming months, creating up to 20 new jobs at each site. In addition, it is also eyeing acquisition opportunities.

Chonan said: “Domino’s is a fantastic brand and delivers a great product, but I felt there were greater growth opportunities with the Pizza Hut Delivery brand, which is developing well.

“People identify with Pizza Hut because of its restaurant chain so brand awareness is already in place and the product is extremely popular. We have taken on existing sites with this acquisition and we will look to grow to around ten by developing new stores and acquiring existing outlets.”

HSBC’s Alsop said: “Umer has a good pedigree in the franchise world so we are pleased to back this refocus of the business to the Pizza Hut Delivery brand. He has a great track record in improving the performance of existing outlets, so I am confident he will make this a great success.”

PH Leicester was represented by law firm Wake Smith.