Starbucks Coffee is expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores with the acquisition of 23.5 Degrees, Starbucks first UK franchised business partner.

The coffee chain has acquired its largest licensed partner in the market, adding around 113 stores and 1,650 employees. This brings its total number of company-operated locations in the UK to nearly 500.

Private equity-backed 23.5 Degrees opened its first store in February 2013 and now operates 110 locations across the UK, including 73 Drive Thrus, with 25 more planned for the coming year.

Alex Rayner, general manager, UK, Switzerland and Austria, said: “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.”

The move comes after a leadership change at Starbucks, where former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol replaced Laxman Narasimhan.

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