Cavendish Corporate Finance, the UK’s leading sell-side mid-market M&A firm, has advised Java Republic on its merger with Spanish coffee group Cafento.

A third-generation family business, Cafento will take a majority stake in Java, and has ambitious plans to expand its offer in Ireland across all segments of the market, as well as help drive international growth.

Cafento was introduced by Cavendish’s international partner group Oaklins office in Spain, illustrating Oaklins’ global reach and ability to create exciting cross-border opportunities.

Founded by David McKernan in 1998, Java has become one of Ireland most recognisable and respected branded coffee roasters and suppliers, having brought to the market the world’s first purpose carbon neutral roaster in Ireland. As well as its own outlets, the business provides coffee to over 1,200 of the country’s most successful business, hotel groups, cafes, and corporate catering services.

Based in Ballycoolin, Dublin, the company will continue to employ its staff of 80 people and will be run by the well-established leadership team of Chairman Stephen Twaddell, Managing Director Grace O’Shaughnessy and Finance & Operations Director Jeffrey Long, who will work in partnership with Emma Brett, Director of Cafento International.

David McKernan will continue working with the company in a non-executive capacity as a brand ambassador, and the business will continue to partner with existing suppliers and business customers.

Cavendish Corporate Finance, which advised the shareholders and management of Java, has an extensive record in advising leading hospitality and FMCG brands, including a number in the coffee sector. Recent high-profile projects include advising healthy recipe box brand Mindful Chef, the sales of luxury apparel brand Orlebar Brown to Chanel and smoked salmon producer John Ross Jr. to PR Foods.

The Cavendish team was led by Jonathan Buxton, partner and head of consumer.

Jonathan commented:

“It was a privilege to work with the shareholders and management of Java Republic on this transformational merger. The combined business will be a major force in the fast-growing European coffee market and I wish the team every success in the future.”