La Casa de Toño, a Mexican chain famous for its pozole and antojitos, is considering a sale in a deal that could exceed $400 million, aiming to boost its growth in Mexico, Latin America, and the United States. According to information accessed by the outlet, potential buyers include Grupo Gigante, one of the country’s most important business conglomerates, which already has a strong presence in the restaurant sector.
Grupo Gigante’s Restaurant Portfolio
Grupo Gigante currently operates several restaurants, including Toks, one of Mexico’s largest family restaurant chains, Shake Shack, a US-based premium burger chain, El Farolito, specializing in tacos al pastor, and Beer Factory, a chain of restaurants and craft breweries. Additionally, Grupo Gigante operates Panda Express in Mexico through a partnership with the US-based firm.
La Casa de Toño, founded in 1985, currently operates 81 restaurants in Mexico City and its metropolitan area. If the sale is finalized, La Casa de Toño would join Grupo Gigante’s portfolio of brands, which has strengthened its food division in recent years.
Grupo Gigante’s Diversification Strategy
Grupo Gigante’s portfolio is the result of its diversification strategy, launched after the sale of its Gigante supermarket chain to Soriana in 2007. The company now focuses on investments in restaurants, specialized commerce, office supplies, pet products, home goods, and real estate development. Grupo Gigante was founded by Spanish entrepreneur Ángel Losada Gómez, who opened the first Gigante store in 1962.
Today, the company is led by Ángel Losada Moreno, son of the founder, who serves as president of the conglomerate’s Board of Directors. The potential purchase of La Casa de Toño is part of this diversification strategy, which has led to the operation of brands such as Office Depot México, RadioShack México, The Home Store, and Petco México.
Related: Inflation Remains Under Control in Mexico
Potential Sale Valuation
According to sources consulted by the report, the operation could be valued at more than eight times La Casa de Toño’s adjusted earnings, approximately double the valuation of major operators like Alsea, owner of Starbucks and Domino’s Pizza in Mexico and Spain, and Arcos Dorados, operator of McDonald’s in Latin America.
The sale of La Casa de Toño has not been confirmed, and representatives of La Casa de Toño and Grupo Gigante have not commented on the operation. BBVA México, which was hired as the exclusive financial advisor to explore the sale, declined to comment on the process.
While the potential sale is still being considered, La Casa de Toño continues to operate its 81 restaurants in Mexico City and its metropolitan area, serving its signature pozole and antojitos to customers.
La Casa de Toño’s potential sale to Grupo Gigante could have significant effects.
It operates in trade with other countries.
Leave a Reply