Global law firm Dentons has advised private equity firm INVENIO Partners on its investment, together with its co-investor Accession Capital Partners, in a majority stake in 5 to go, the largest coffee shop chain in Eastern Europe and a leader in Romania’s franchise market.

This strategic investment, led by INVENIO Partners and which is subject to customary conditions precedent, marks a significant milestone in the history of 5 to go. The group has recently expanded its reach to over 600 locations and is now entering a transformative phase of accelerated growth. This partnership aims to drive 5 to go’s international expansion into key markets in South-East Europe and other countries with significant Romanian diasporas such as Spain, France, Germany and the UK. It will also solidify 5 to go’s presence in Romania, where its network already spans over 130 cities and 300 franchises.

Counsel Kamran Pirani and partner Rob Irving, co-head of Dentons’ Corporate and M&A group in Europe (both Budapest) led Dentons’ cross-jurisdictional team, with the support of partner Loredana Chitu (Bucharest). The wider team included partners Tamsyn Mileham, Raul Mihu and Perry Zizzi, counsel Argentina Hincu-Rafail and Doru Postelnicu, senior associates Simona Moisa and Stefi Ionescu, associates Alin Roca, Iulia Titirisca and Alin Dimache, paralegals Bogdan Galatanu and Stefan Sundere in Bucharest, as well as senior associate Sebastian Ishiguro, associates Brigitta Kovács and Aliz Wulcz, and trainee Abbey Varns in Budapest.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to support INVENIO in this landmark transaction, which is set to redefine the landscape of the coffee shop market in Eastern Europe”, said Rob Irving, Co-Head of the Europe Corporate Group.

“Radu Savopol (founder) and his team have succeeded in building an icon of contemporary Romanian retail. The INVENIO team is excited at the prospect of supporting them in realizing their vision to make 5 to go a European leader in coffee chains,” said Elvin Guri, INVENIO Partners.

“Our role in this pioneering transaction underscores Dentons’ ability to deliver strategic outcomes for our clients”, added Kamran Pirani, counsel in the Corporate and M&A and Private Equity groups in Dentons’ Budapest office.