Excello Law has been retained by the north west’s largest Costa franchisee – the Optimum Group – to handle all commercial property transactions across the group’s growing portfolio.
With 22 outlets currently in operation, commercial property lawyer Pete McHugh, based in Excello’s Liverpool office, has been working with Optimum since 2014 handling all property acquisitions, finance and lettings.
Optimum’s recent Costa opening in Liverpool’s famous Penny Lane, and the expansion of the franchise business into a new brand – Kaspa’s desserts – herald a milestone for the group as they look at new sites which would take them to their 25th opening.
Managing director of Optimum, Mark Bryan, commented: “Our strategic objective is to continue growing our Costa Coffee franchisee model during the next five years and we remain committed to building our business across our heartland of the north west.
“Property transactions can be complicated and time-consuming, but in Excello and Pete McHugh we have a commercial property team which understands our business, always meets our deadlines and gives sound advice on local market trends. The flexibility of the Excello business model particularly appeals to us because we have direct access to senior lawyers whenever we need it.”
Pete McHugh commented: “I really enjoy advising entrepreneurial and fast-growing businesses such as Optimum. They have a varied property portfolio and it’s essential we understand the individual requirements of each outlet and meet the timelines to ensure each new venture opens on time.”