SEATTLE, USA – Starbucks Coffee Company announced Monday it has acquired 23.5 Degrees in the U.K., further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores and enhancing the coffeehouse experience for customers.
This acquisition brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees.
With this addition, Starbucks significantly expands its wholly owned footprint, increasing its total number of company-operated locations to almost 500 in the UK.
The move follows a period of turbulence at the chain, which recentely replaced its chief executive Laxman Narasimhan, after less than a year in the job, with former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol, following a 3% slump in global sales.
Alex Rayner, General Manager, UK, Switzerland and Austria: “I want to acknowledge the important contributions of 23.5 Degrees and the dedicated green apron partners.
This strategic move will enable us to enhance our investment in new locations, elevate our in-store experience, and drive innovation for our UK customers.”
