UAE Firm Acquires Majority Stake in Turkish Coffee Chain

Strategic Ownership Shift

Mair Group, an investment entity based in the United Arab Emirates, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a 70% stake in Eslab, the parent organization behind the coffee house brand EspressoLab. Under the terms of the arrangement, the original founders will retain the remaining 30% interest in the business.

This transaction marks the first international acquisition for the Abu Dhabi-based firm since it began trading on the local securities exchange in late 2024. While the parties have confirmed the deal, they have not disclosed the financial valuation or the specific purchase price associated with the transfer of shares.

Operational Continuity and Growth

Management stability remains a core component of the transition, with the founding partners expected to continue their involvement in the company’s strategic development. EspressoLab leadership described the partnership as a pivotal move to accelerate the brand's international expansion efforts.

Nehayan Hamad Alameri, CEO of Mair Group, stated that the investment serves to diversify the firm's portfolio. The group, which currently manages assets in commercial real estate and retail, intends to leverage a scalable, franchise-heavy business model to expand its footprint in the consumer sector.

Market Presence and Risks

As of August 2026, the coffee chain operates a network exceeding 400 locations across 21 countries. The majority of these outlets, numbering over 310, are situated within Turkey, spanning more than 50 cities. This extensive reach highlights the brand's reliance on a franchise-based model, which balances rapid expansion with the ongoing challenge of maintaining consistent quality and supply chain standards.

The brand has previously navigated periods of public scrutiny, including calls for boycotts following political developments in Turkey in early 2025. These historical challenges suggest that the new ownership will need to carefully manage brand perception and consumer traffic as they integrate the business into a larger international framework.

Regulatory Hurdles and Future Outlook

The finalization of the deal is contingent upon receiving necessary approvals from regulatory authorities in the relevant jurisdictions. Should these conditions be met, the acquisition will represent a significant shift for Mair Group, moving its revenue base further toward consumer-facing brands rather than its traditional focus on real estate and retail logistics.

If the regulatory process faces delays or if specific closing conditions remain unfulfilled, Eslab will continue under its current ownership structure. In such a scenario, the company’s expansion plans would likely proceed at a more measured pace, constrained by existing capital resources. The ultimate impact of this partnership will depend on whether the new capital infusion effectively strengthens the brand's global franchise oversight and operational standards. 🌐