Minor, which had held a 74% share in the Corbin & King since 2017, acquired full control of the business back in April following a prolonged and very public battle for ownership with the group's co-founder Jeremy King, who was ousted in the process.
At the time, Minor International's group chief executive, Dillip Rajakarier, told BigHospitality that there were no plans to change the name of the group, which counts high-profile London restaurants including The Wolseley, Brasserie Zédel and The Delaunay among its estate.
However, it has now released a statement confirming that the company name has changed to The Wolseley Hospitality Group, removing any reference of King and his fellow co-founder Chris Corbin.
The new name, according to Minor, reflects The Wolseley's 'wide-reaching international reputation'.
Rajakarier has already hinted that the group intends to grow The Wolseley brand internationally, with New York, Hong Kong and the Middle East noted as areas of interest for possible expansion.
Currently, Minor says its growth plans for the business are focused primarily on UK leases that were secured by Corbin & King prior to Minor's takeover of the business.
They include a second Wolseley restaurant in the City of London; and the long-awaited, pescatarian-focused restaurant Manzi's in Soho.
It is also looking at 'selective sites' globally.
“We have the utmost respect for The Wolseley Hospitality Group team who have created The Wolseley and all the other fine restaurants in the portfolio over the last 19 years,” says William E Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International.
“And now we look forward to expanding the restaurants not only in the UK, but globally with the support of Minor’s international footprint and team while ensuring the continued success of The Wolseley Hospitality Group.”
