Butler Industries is taking a 35% stake in Benjamin Patou's Moma Group, signalling a strategic move to strengthen the company as it expands globally and faces competitive challenges.
Walter Butler, a seasoned entrepreneur known for his ventures in culture and gastronomy, is to contribute to the Moma Group, synonymous with festive restaurants and events.
Owner of the Paradis Latin cabaret and affiliated with establishments such as Pierre Hermé, the Michelin-starred restaurant L'Ambroisie and Partouche, Walter Butler brings a wealth of experience in business development and company revitalisation. Butler Industries, founded in 1991, holds stakes in some forty companies in various sectors throughout the world, employing around 40,000 people.
Benjamin Patou's strategic vision is to accelerate Moma's global reach, building on the momentum of a very positive year, with sales of €130 million and EBITDA of 10%.
The acquisition by Butler Industries includes a 35% stake, with Walter Butler taking on the role of Vice-Chairman of the Board. While Benjamin Patou remains the majority shareholder, reducing his stake from 70% to 50%, the main partners - Patrick Bruel, Eric Sitruk (director of the Moma) and Jean-David Sarfati (general manager of the group's restaurants) - jointly hold 15% of the capital.
Following the departure of the Barrière group, which held 48.6% of the capital in 2022, Benjamin Patou is regaining his independence but is looking for a major investor.
Aiming to open more than 40 new establishments by 2025, Moma Group plans to capitalise on the popularity of its flagship brands such as Lapérouse, Mimosa, Casa Amor, Manko and Noto. Expansion targets the US, the Middle East, major European capitals and potential projects in Asia. Walter Butler is committed to helping Moma seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving international market.
Many of these expansions will be facilitated through licensed partnerships, as demonstrated by the collaborations with One & Only in Greece and Barrière in Deauville. This strategic collaboration with Butler Industries comes at a pivotal time for Moma, ensuring its continued growth and success.
