Villa Paradiso Group partners with Credo to accelerate growth

Villa Paradiso Group (Villa) announced on 30 October 2017 a partnership agreement with Credo Partners (Credo) involving a majority sale of shares in Villa to Credo. The founders, Jan Vardøen and Trond Haug, will retain a high minority stake together with key employees.

Alpha Corporate Finance has acted as financial advisor to Villa Paradiso Group and its founding shareholders.

This transaction will enable Villa to accelerate growth; “We have been looking for a suitable partner to support our continued growth. We are convinced that Credo’s experience and competence will contribute to a good structure and healthy growth, while we are able to retain the unique culture, quality and ambience of Villa Paradiso”, says Jan Vardøen.

Villa Paradiso Group has revenue of NOK 150 million and comprise the renowned Italian restaurants Villa Paradiso, premium take-away concept Piccolo Paradiso and the food- and wine-importer Villa Import. The Group has also developed a portfolio of Villa Paradiso branded products and the wine brand Vino Paradiso. The next restaurant will open at Majorstuen in Oslo before Christmas.

Credo Partners is a Norway based investment firm with a specialised focus on value creation in small and medium sized companies; “Villa Paradiso has an exceptionally robust and sustainable concept, and we are excited and proud to enter into this partnership with the Villa founders and management team”, says Gudmund Killi, Managing Partner at Credo.