Compose Coffee has been acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation and Elevation Equity Partners

August 2024 — Compose Coffee, one of South Korea’s fastest-growing coffee franchise brands, has been acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a leading global restaurant group, in partnership with Elevation Equity Partners. The transaction combines Jollibee’s operational expertise and international footprint with Elevation’s investment capabilities, providing Compose Coffee with a strong platform to accelerate its domestic leadership and expand its international presence.

Established in 2014, Compose Coffee is a leading South Korean coffee franchise known for its value-for-money positioning, offering high-quality beverages at affordable prices. The company operates the largest in-house coffee roasting plant in Korea, enabling the efficient distribution of specialty beans at low cost. Its product portfolio includes espresso-based drinks, cold brews, teas and baked goods, catering to cost-conscious consumers seeking convenience and consistency. With over 2,000 franchise locations nationwide, Compose Coffee generates annual sales exceeding US$100 million.

Founded in 1978, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is the largest and most recognized fast-food company in the Philippines, known for its value-for-money offerings and strong brand loyalty. JFC operates a diverse portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon and international brands such as Smashburger (USA) and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The company offers a broad menu tailored to local tastes, featuring items such as burgers, fried chicken, noodles and baked goods.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in Korea acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the seller throughout the transaction, providing comprehensive support from initial preparation to closing. Responsibilities included preparing marketing materials, identifying and approaching a broad range of strategic and financial investors, managing the due diligence process and leading negotiations. As a cross-border transaction involving both a strategic and a financial investor, the team played a central role in coordinating communications across jurisdictions and navigating the complexities of a competitive, multi-party process to deliver a successful outcome for the client.