Supasith Sukhanindr, chairman of Mudman Plc’s executive committee, said that the group acquired the Michelin two-starred restaurant from the renowned French chef and owner Guy Martin in a deal valued at 9.17 million euros (Bt364 million) last December via newly formed subsidiary Mudman International Ltd (MI).

Mudman’s latest high-profile international foray will drive the next phase of the Bangkok-based restaurant group’s international expansion that is spearheaded by MI.

Nadim Xavier Salhani, CEO of Mudman Plc, said that the takeover reflects the group’s “determination to strive for international recognition as a world-class player” in the global food retail industry.

“We are confident that this new international venture will help keep the company aligned to our vision, that of becoming a leading retail and lifestyle conglomerate in the global market with a projected turnover of Bt5 billion within five years,” said Salhani.

With its overseas outlets growing in Europe, the restaurant group is looking to establish a permanent foothold in the European market. MI recently opened the first Greyhound Cafe in London, which is already reporting brisk business. More outlets are in the pipeline, Salhani adds.

The acquisition of Le Grand Vefour will help put Mudman on the map, with its vast array of assets spanning Asia to Europe.

The restaurant expects to generate over Bt150 million in annual revenue in its first year.

Dubbed as the “jewel of the 18th century”, Le Grand Vefour has always prided itself on being a popular Paris rendezvous for France’s ruling, business and intellectual elites along with the glitterati of Paris’s literary, art and fashion worlds. Among other famous patrons, Napoleon Bonaparte loved the restaurant so much that he used the venue to propose to his wife Josephine.

The historic restaurant counts among the most magnificent and luxurious restaurants in Paris, thanks to its plush palatial interior with exquisite embellishments such as Louis XVI-style garlands and carved panelling.

As part of the deal, chef Martin continues to serve up high-end dishes and remains head chef and director of Le Grand Vefour.

Himself a household name in France and one of Paris’ most accomplished chefs, chef Martin joined Le Grand Vefour in 1991. It took another 20 years before he became its proprietor.

Elected as “Chef of the Year” by the Gault & Millau, Champerard and Pudlowski guides, he loves travelling, and is hooked on the world’s colours, sensations and flavours.

With an initial investment of Bt100 million to Bt150 million, Mudman will take fine dining to new heights with a number of much-anticipated new restaurant projects in the works in Europe and Asia.

In close collaboration with Martin, Mudman is developing new restaurant concepts targeting middle-class to upmarket customers in Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The group expects to open new overseas outlets next year.