National law firm Shoosmiths has advised Murray Hennessy on his appointment as non-executive chairman of TGI Fridays UK and his investment in the group.
Mr Hennessy brings to the TGI Fridays Group a wealth of Board-level experience and an impressive track record of delivering growth in consumer-facing industries. He was Chief Executive of Trainline.com, the UK's leading online train ticket retailer, from 2008 to 2014.
Prior to this he was the CEO of Avis Europe plc from 2004 to 2008 and CEO of Buy.com UK, an online retailer of technology products, from 2000 to 2001. Buy.com was acquired by the John Lewis Partnership in 2001 and Mr Hennessy became head of the newly created John Lewis Direct. At John Lewis Direct, Mr Hennessy launched and grew Johnlewis.com into one of the UK's leading online retailers winning numerous website awards in the process. He later became Commercial Director for John Lewis Department Stores.
TGI Fridays UK is an authentic American casual restaurant chain with 67 UK restaurants in a range of locations, including city centres, shopping centres and leisure parks.
Hennessy's appointment supports the company's ambitious growth plans and strategy to take advantage of new technologies and increase their digital engagement with customers.
Corporate partner Alison Gilson and solicitor Jen Paton advised Mr Hennessy on his appointment and his investment in the group.
Murray Hennessy, Non-Executive Chairman of TGI Fridays UK, said:
'Shoosmiths provided thorough, clear advice throughout and I thank them for their hard work and responsiveness. TGI Fridays is a highly recognised and respected brand offering a unique restaurant experience and this is an exciting time to join the group as they look to expand their infrastructure model and drive forward growth in the UK.'
Shoosmiths' Alison Gilson, commented: 'We were very pleased to be able to advise Murray on his appointment and investment in the TGI Fridays group. It was great to work on this important and exciting step in the future of such a popular and fast growing restaurant chain.'
Shoosmiths' corporate team has a strong track record of advising public and private companies, management teams, investors and debt providers through the business life cycle. Shoosmiths work with businesses from start-up and first round finance through to mergers and acquisitions, MBO and MBI transactions, development funding and on exits, by way of sale, listing or private equity investment.
The national corporate team has been placed second by deal volume in Experian's UK Deal Review and Advisor League Table and have recently won Law Firm of the Year at the M&A Awards 2015.