Cote sale story dismissed

2 August, 2012

Cote, the South East based French brasserie chain, has dismissed reports that it is being put up for sale.

An unconfirmed story appeared iearlier today suggesting that corporate advisor Hawkpoint had been appointed to begin 'soft marketing'.

Cote founder Andy Bassadone told Peach Report: "Nobody has appointed anybody. Seems like someone might be 'hawking' for business."

The brand, founded in 2007 by Bassadone, Chris Benians and Marcus Cload, the team that launched and sold the Strada Italian chain, operates 33 restaurants, with seven sites opening in the past year. New Cote openings are planned for York, Chichester, Oxford, Tonbridge Wells and Henley-on-Thames. Sales last year topped £35m.

It is owned by the management team with substantial backing from entrepreneur Richard Caring. See French lessons and Cote leads fastest growing list