Wildflour Hospitality Group, under the leadership of CEO Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, has successfully obtained approximately P840 million in investment from private equity firm KV Asia Capital. This marks KV Asia's debut investment in the Philippines, selecting the casual dining restaurant group for its initial venture. The investment precedes Wildflour's anticipated initial public offering, with sources suggesting it could take place within the next two years.
KV Asia Capital, headquartered in Singapore, concentrates on equity investments in reputable mid-sized companies throughout Southeast Asia. According to an insider familiar with the situation, the investment in Wildflour amounted to approximately $15 million, securing roughly 25 percent ownership of the company. Wildflour was founded in 2012 by siblings Ocampo and Margarita Manzke. Over the past decade, the restaurant group has "established itself as one of the leading and fastest growing premium casual restaurant operators in the country".
The current portfolio encompasses eight primary concept brands spread across 18 locations and approximately 50 spaces strategically positioned throughout greater Metro Manila. Although specific details about the additional capital from KV Asia were not disclosed, it will aid in funding the relaunch and expansion of Pink's Burger, Hotdogs and Shakes in Bonifacio Global City, as well as the establishment of a minimum of 10 new locations over the next 18 months.
"These are exciting times for Wildflour and marks another key milestone in our growth story. Our partnership with KV Asia is a perfect marriage between our rapidly evolving food and beverage organization and a partner that will help accelerate our expansion timelines and take our growth trajectory to new markets in the coming years", De Ocampo said. "Wildflour commits to staying true to its core ideals of creating even better dining experiences for each and every guest that we have become known for in the last 12 years", she added.
The group boasts a varied array of brands, such as Wildflour Restaurant, George & Onnie's Filipino Restaurant, Wildflour Italian, Pink's Burgers, Hotdogs and Shakes, and Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain. Among its recent introductions are Little Flour Café and Pizza Sisters, with Kei Maki and Antica Osteria set to launch soon.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the creative and entrepreneurial management team of Wildflour as it continues to build a restaurant group that delivers at scale a consistently high-quality food offering and customer experience", said Mark de Venecia, partner at KV Asia. "Given its brand equity and resonance with customers, we believe Wildflour is well-positioned to further expand its footprint and cement its leading position in the premium casual restaurant sector", he added.