Miss Millie’s fried Chicken, the iconic multi-site independent fried chicken business operating in and around Bristol, has been sold to a Newco set up by experienced quick-service-restaurant (QSR) operators, with Smith Cooper Corporate Finance (SCCF) advising the sellers.
The business was set up in 1965 by the three sellers’ father, a personal friend of Colonel Sanders of KFC, whose daughter Mildred was the inspiration for the Miss Millie’s name. The business subsequently grew through both store openings and franchising to be the leading independent brand in the wider Bristol area.
The new owners are very keen to build on the foundations and heritage created by the founder and his daughters, planning to increase store numbers in the South West and beyond.
Speaking about the transaction Ann Walker, former shareholder and MD, said “the decision to sell a business that’s been in our family for over 50 years was very tough despite us recognising the time had come. We’d had sound advice from SCCF, specialists in QSR transactions, several years ago so appointing them to find a buyer and manage the whole transaction was an obvious step; their professionalism, determination and stamina in making sure we got to a successful completion was very impressive”.
Legal advice to the sellers was provided by a team at Napthens.
