Portfolio | M3 Asset Management

M3 Asset Management has advised on numerous cross-border transactions in the food and beverage sector, with a particular focus on helping Korean brands establish successful operations in the United States. Our track record demonstrates our ability to navigate complex international deals and create value for our clients.

Notable Transactions

2023

SnowFox Group Acquired by Zensho

The SnowFox Group, which M3 advised on its formation, was acquired by Zensho Holdings, Japan's leading food group, for $621 million—the largest consumer exit by a UK private equity firm in 2023. This transaction demonstrates the value creation potential in cross-border F&B consolidation.

2019

SnowFox Merger with YO! Sushi

M3 Asset Management's David Kim, Managing Partner, served as an advisor on SnowFox's merger with YO! Sushi, facilitated by Mayfair Equity Partners. The expanded SnowFox Group comprises SnowFox, YO! Sushi, Bento Sushi, and Taiko Sushi with over $425 million of system-wide sales across North America and Europe.

2015-2018

KwangcheonKim U.S. Market Entry

M3 advised Korea's largest dried seaweed company, KwangcheonKim, on their U.S. market entry strategy. The engagement resulted in the establishment of Kimnori USA Inc. in Cerritos, California—Korea's first kim producer to build a fully integrated overseas production facility. By 2018, the company achieved $40 million in exports.

2015-2017

CoffeeBay U.S. Expansion

M3 provided strategic advisory services for CoffeeBay's U.S. market entry, including partnership structuring with Walmart and establishment of COFFEEBAY INTERNATIONAL INC. The engagement culminated in FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) approval in California in 2017, enabling franchise expansion across the United States.