Tragus, the restaurant group which owns Café Rouge and Bella Italia, has been acquired from Legal and General Ventures by US private equity firm the Blackstone Group for £267m.

Tragus – which has more than 160 UK sites in its portfolio – is headed by CEO Graham Turner, whose management team will be “significant” investors in the company alongside Blackstone.

Joseph Baratta, senior managing director of Blackstone, said: “We will support Tragus management is developing the business and in reinforcing its position as a leader in the market. Tragus is the ideal platform in the UK casual dining sector.” Details: www.blackstone.com