A co-operative coffee franchisee has expanded its store network across the South West of England, setting its sights on running 50 stores following the successful acquisition of Amsric Limited.

Taking its existing number of stores to 47, Cobra Coffee, part of Southern Co-op, has welcomed 12 new coffee stores and all 120 colleagues to its family, with all stores operating as a Starbucks licensee partner.

As part of the acquisition, the regional co-operative will be moving forward existing Amsric plans to open two new stores in Plymouth and Bognor Regis in the coming months.

Gwyn Kennett, Head of Operations at Cobra Coffee, said: “This acquisition has allowed us to continue expanding in the South West and growing our family in more communities.

“It’s important to us that each store is a part of the local community with space for people to socialise, as well as providing employment to local residents.

“We are hoping this growth can continue in the years ahead and we would welcome further investment opportunities across the South of England.”

Cobra Coffee grew its store portfolio from 19 to 30 during 2020 and has opened five new stores in 2021, in addition to this acquisition.

Franchise hospitality deal management experts Smith Cooper Corporate Finance, managed the acquisition on behalf of Amsric Holdings Limited including marketing the company, negotiating terms, and managing/advising on the sale process.

Ragin Patel, Director of Amsric Holdings, said: “We leave the Starbucks community with some sadness but are pleased to have found a great partner in Cobra – which we are confident will take the business forward and, with the co-operative’s strong people-centric, ethical and community values, our dedicated and committed Amsric team will also benefit.”

Amsric Limited stores now operated by Cobra Coffee include:

• Fraddon Kingsley Village
• Yeovil Babylon Hill
• Truro Chiverton Cross
• Truro Victoria Square
• Plymouth Drake Circus
• Exeter High Street
• Bideford Atlantic Village
• Exeter Alphington Road, Drive Thru
• Torquay
• Whiteley – Whiteley Shopping Centre
• Portsmouth The Cascades Shopping Centre
• Southampton – Above Bar Street

Other stores, which are a combination of high street, drive-thru and drive-to locations, are based in Brighton, Crawley, Hove, Worthing, Dorking, Horsham, Reigate, Wokingham, Ashford, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Folkestone, Isle of Sheppey, Maidstone, Strood, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Bath, Bristol, Southampton, and Bournemouth.

All stores are open for indoor dining and takeaway and are closely following the latest COVID-19 guidance from both the government and health authorities to keep everyone safe.

To find out more about Cobra Coffee including a list of local stores, visit www.cobracoffee.co.uk.