Diafa Acquired Majority Stake in Caring Brands
The Abu Dhabi-based firm invested £1.4 billion to expand brands like the Ivy Collection globally.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Dining Out
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In early 2026, Diafa acquired a majority stake in Richard Caring’s restaurant and club empire for £1.4 billion. The deal includes the Caprice Group, the Ivy Collection, and the Birley Clubs.
Why it matters
The acquisition aims to leverage the proven success of brands like the Ivy Collection to drive growth in new international territories. Diafa intends to scale these concepts using its established global management framework.
The £1.4 billion deal covers the Caprice Group, the Ivy Collection, and the Birley Clubs. Diafa now operates across 25 countries through its expanded portfolio.
The players
Diafa
An Abu Dhabi-based firm and affiliate of the International Holding Company that manages global hospitality investments.
Richard Caring
A prominent British businessman known for his extensive portfolio of luxury restaurants and private member clubs.
Ivy Collection
A popular restaurant brand known for its success across regional markets in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Caprice Group
A hospitality organization that operates various restaurant locations in cities including Miami, Dubai, and Mykonos.
Annabel's
A well-known private member club based in London with plans to launch its first international location in New York.
The details
Diafa, an affiliate of the International Holding Company, plans to scale these hospitality concepts on a brand-by-brand basis. The strategy includes bringing the Ivy Brasserie and Ivy Asia to various U.S. cities while utilizing the company's regional management expertise.
Timeline
October 2025: Diafa invested in the Azumi restaurant group.
Earlier in 2026: Diafa acquired a majority stake in Caring's brands.
2027: Annabel's will open its first overseas location.
Culture Shift
This move follows a pattern set by the international expansion strategies of the Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company, which seeks to export established regional luxury brands to major global markets. The strategy signals a shift toward consolidating high-end hospitality portfolios to capture a wider share of the global luxury dining consumer base.
Customers in markets like New York and Dubai can expect new dining options as the firm pushes ahead with its expansion plans. The transition may alter the operational management of existing local locations as the new ownership integrates them into their global framework.
The takeaway
The acquisition signals a significant shift in luxury hospitality as regional favorites move onto the global stage under sovereign-backed investment. Consumers should anticipate a wave of new international locations for brands that were previously limited to specific European markets.
Further reading
Learn more about global hospitality trends in our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Caterer.
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