The acquisition strengthens PBV Group’s multi-brand QSR portfolio as it plans new franchised restaurants, a company-owned outlet and 10 dark kitchens for Bunify by the end of 2026.
PBV Group, a UK-based multi-brand quick-service restaurant (QSR) operator, has acquired a controlling stake in Bunify, a halal burger and comfort food brand, as it looks to accelerate the business’s growth through franchising and delivery-led expansion.
Founded by Zaid Mahdi in 2021, Bunify specialises in American-style comfort food, including brioche burgers, wings, fries, hot dogs, sides and desserts. The brand operates three restaurants and three virtual kitchens in London, according to the acquisition announcement. Joining PBV’s portfolio is expected to give Bunify access to franchise development expertise, operational support and shared infrastructure to support its next stage of expansion.
The transaction was led by Paolo Peretti, Managing Director of PBV Group and Founder of franchising consultancy PPG, alongside Vikas Narula, Founder and CEO of Tikka Nation, and Bilal Zaman, a PPG associate and finance specialist. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Under its expansion plans, PBV aims to open two additional franchised Bunify restaurants and one company-owned outlet by the end of 2026. It also plans to expand the brand’s delivery-led operations to 10 dark kitchens, combining conventional restaurant growth with formats that require less customer-facing space.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mahdi said: “Bunify has built a strong reputation over the last five years by putting customers first, investing in our people and delivering quality food, with every serve. The business has enjoyed significant growth over recent years and through our partnership with PBV Group, we look forward to continuing this growth.”
He added: “Becoming part of PBV represents the next stage in our growth journey. This partnership gives us an excellent platform to continue to deliver the exceptional service our customers know and expect from us as a quality fast food brand.”
Peretti said Bunify would complement PBV’s existing portfolio and strengthen its position in the UK foodservice and franchising market. “Bunify acts as the perfect complement to our ever-expanding existing portfolio. This collaboration doesn’t only strengthen and enhance our position within the UK food and franchising sector, it also allows the QSR industry to continue to thrive and do what it does best, deliver quality food and service, at speed,” he said.
PBV’s portfolio includes Shah’s Halal Food, its flagship brand, alongside Tikka Nation and Chip N Jerk. The group’s strategy centres on developing food concepts through franchising, supported by shared infrastructure, site identification, operational frameworks and management expertise.
For Bunify, the acquisition provides a platform to expand through franchise partners rather than relying exclusively on company-funded openings. The planned company-owned restaurant will complement the franchise rollout, while the dark-kitchen strategy will allow the brand to extend its delivery reach without the investment required for a traditional dine-in location.
The deal also reflects the broader use of multi-brand platforms in the UK QSR market, where operators combine franchise development capabilities and shared resources to scale different food concepts. By adding Bunify, PBV gains another brand with a delivery-focused proposition and a menu designed for the halal food market.
PBV has also outlined a longer-term ambition to build a network of 30 franchise sites across its portfolio within five years. Bunify’s planned openings and delivery expansion form part of the group’s broader strategy to grow its presence in the competitive UK foodservice sector.
