Asda Sells Leon Back to Founder After ‘Junk Food’ Backlash

Asda sells Leon back to founder after ‘junk food’ backlash

Asda has sold Leon back to its co-founder John Vincent, ending four turbulent years of ownership under the Issa brothers that saw the once health-focused fast-food chain accused of losing its identity. The deal, which includes 46 company-owned restaurants and 25 franchise sites, comes amid growing criticism that Leon had drifted away from its founding principles of “natural fast food” in favour of higher-calorie, processed items. Vincent, who la…

Asda sells Leon back to co-founder to 'refocus on core retail'

Asda has agreed to sell fast-food chain Leon back to its co-founder, John Vincent, marking the brand’s return to independent ownership four years after it was acquired by the Issa brothers’ EG Group.

Asda sells Leon back to founder

Asda has confirmed the sale of Leon Restaurants to its co-founder John Vincent for an undisclosed price. The deal includes 46 Leon restaurants and 20 UK franchise sites, as well as three in the Netherlands and one in Italy. Around 1,120 Leon staff will transfer to the new ownership. Asda said the move reflected its strategy to focus on strengthening its core retail operations.  It added that food service remains a “key differentiator” in the ret…

Asda sells Leon back to co-founder

Asda has sold the Leon fast-food chain back to its co-founder John Vincent, marking a significant reversal for the supermarket’s ownership of the healthy-eating brand. Vincent, who originally co-founded Leon in 2004, has said that he intends to restore the chain to its original values and vision. “My time away from Leon has given me new perspectives – and I’m excited by what we can achieve for people this time round,” he said. “There will likely…