M&A Deal Summary

Ares Private Equity Group Acquires Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

On July 23, 2019, private equity firm Ares Private Equity Group acquired restaurant Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants from KarpReilly

Acquisition Highlights
  • This is Ares Private Equity Group’s 1st transaction in the Restaurants sector.
  • This is Ares Private Equity Group’s 67th transaction in the United States.
  • This is Ares Private Equity Group’s 8th transaction in Illinois.

M&A Deal Summary

Date 2019-07-23
Target Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Sector Restaurants
Buyer(s) Ares Private Equity Group
Sellers(s) KarpReilly
Deal Type Secondary Buyout
Advisor(s) North Point Advisors (Financial)
Ropes & Gray (Legal)

Target

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a casual restaurant chain that uniquely combines a sophisticated ambiance and upscale menu with its very own. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants was founded in 2005 and is based in Downers Grove, Illinois.

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Buyer(S) 1

Buyer

Ares Private Equity Group

Los Angeles, California, United States

Investor Investor Investor Investor


Category Private Equity Firm
Founded 2003
PE ASSETS 20.0B USD
Size Mega
Type Sector Agnostic
DESCRIPTION

Ares Private Equity Group is the private equity arm of Ares Management, a global alternative asset manager. The Ares Private Equity Group specializes in opportunistic majority/shared control investments in under-capitalized middle-market companies. Ares looks for companies with strong franchises and attractive growth opportunities. The Group prefers to be the lead investor and will invest across the capital structure, including common equity, preferred equity, convertible equity/debt and senior debt. Areas of interest include business services, defense, healthcare, manufacturing, industrial, energy and consumer products and services. Ares Private Equity Group was formed in 2003 and is based in Los Angeles, California.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 77 of 106
Sector (Restaurants) 1 of 1
Type (Secondary Buyout) 32 of 42
State (Illinois) 8 of 10
Country (United States) 67 of 90
Year (2019) 5 of 6
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2019-07-22 Onecom

London, United Kingdom

Onecom is a provider of communication services and unified solutions across fixed-line voice, connectivity, and cloud computing to companies that includes Farrow & Ball, Thwaites, Celtic Manor, and 118 UK Ltd. Onecom was founded in 1992 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

Buy -
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2019-08-19 Heelstone

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Heelstone is a utility-scale solar developer with expertise in development, construction, operation and finance. Heelstone has developed a portfolio of 500 MW and is actively developing a project pipeline of over 1.5 GW. Heelstone was founded in 2012 and is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Buy -

Seller(S) 1

SELLER

KarpReilly

Greenwich, Connecticut, United States

Category Growth Capital Firm
Founded 2007
PE ASSETS 500M USD
Size Middle-Market
Type Sector Agnostic
DESCRIPTION

KarpReilly is a private equity firm focused on partnering with small to mid-size growth companies across a broad range of industries. The Firm looks to commit $10 to $25 million of equity capital per investment. Sectors of interest include building materials, business services, consumer brands, healthcare services, retail, and restaurants. KarpReilly will consider both minority or majority investment positions in transactions that include growth financings, management buyouts, acquisition financings, and recapitalizations. KarpReilly was formed in 2007 and is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 16 of 17
Sector (Restaurants) 5 of 6
Type (Secondary Buyout) 6 of 6
State (Illinois) 1 of 1
Country (United States) 14 of 15
Year (2019) 1 of 1
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2018-02-16 Christy Dawn

Los Angeles, California, United States

Christy Dawn is a vintage-inspired clothing brand that uses deadstock fabric and sells. The Company uses only sustainable methods of production and offers living wages. Christy Dawn is based in Los Angeles, California.

Buy -
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2020-01-06 Habit Burger Grill

Irvine, California, United States

Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast-casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes, and malts. Habit Burger Grill was founded in 1969 and is based in Irvine, California.

Sell $375M