The Cypress Group acted as the exclusive advisor to R & R Ventures in the refinancing of its Taco Bell Restaurants and the acquisition of corporate Taco Bell Restaurants in Northern Virginia. R & R is owned by Robert Calucci, a 20-year veteran of the Taco Bell system. Cypress represented R & R in identifying the opportunity for the financing, conducting a competitive process, structuring the transaction, and managing the closing. The refinancing will be used to retire existing debt, fund the acquisition, and provide additional liquidity for new unit development and image upgrades.
"Cypress' services were invaluable in understanding the details of the debt markets, the most competitive lenders, and the alternatives available. We were able to take advantage of a favorable credit environment to lower our debt service and secure new development capital,” says Bob Carlucci, CEO of R&R Ventures. “As we worked through the recapitalization, an acquisition opportunity surfaced requiring a major pivot on the debt engagement. Cypress and our new lender, RBS, worked through the changes on the loan request and managed to close the transaction on time. Cypress' knowledge of the Taco Bell system and their relationship with the lender community were invaluable to our company. We have utilized Cypress on numerous occasions as our company has evolved. Once again, Cypress delivered."
