CWB Franchise Finance partners with Leopold’s Tavern Group on development line facility

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CWB Franchise Finance (CWB), a division of CWB Financial Group, has provided a term loan, mortgage and development line facility to Leopold’s Tavern Group of Companies (Leopold’s Tavern). Opening soon in Manitoba, the growing Canadian restaurant and pub brand currently operates across Saskatchewan and Alberta. The funds will be used to assist with development of new locations as well as renovations and updates of existing units, as required.

“After recently reaching a point of rapid expansion, the team at Leopold’s Tavern came to us for structured restaurant-specific financing after a referral from CWB’s Regina Branch where they’ve been a client for four years,” explained Dimitri Mazur, account manager at CWB Franchise Finance’s restaurant division. “This is an excellent example of how CWB leverages the expertise across our teams to help our clients grow their businesses. We’ve been able to provide a Development Line that Leopold’s Tavern can draw down on for multiple projects over a two-year period, with approval and document completed upfront, while the local branch in Regina can continue to serve their day-to-day business banking needs.”

“Leopold’s Tavern is expanding, in both new and existing markets,” noted Matt Pinch, the company’s president and chief financial officer. “This Development Line creates a trajectory for the various projects we have on the radar. CWB’s deep understanding of the restaurant industry and, more specifically, our model and growth needs, translates into both products and processes that make sense for us. Their team’s friendly, collaborative approach has been refreshing and we look forward to many more years of partnership.” 

About CWB Franchise Finance  CWB Franchise Finance, a division of CWB Financial Group, specializes in financing for regional and national restaurants and hotels and is a leading lender to the Canadian restaurant and hospitality industries. Previously GE Capital Canada’s franchise financing arm, CWB Franchise Finance was acquired by CWB Financial Group in 2016 following a successful track record of more than 800 clients with upwards of 1,525 property locations over 14 years. To date, more than $3 billion has been invested in the Canadian hotel and restaurant space.

About CWB Financial Group  CWB is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada. Operating from its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, CWB’s key business lines include full-service business and personal banking offered through 42 branches of Canadian Western Bank and Internet banking services provided by Motive Financial. Highly responsive specialized financing is delivered under the banners of CWB Equipment Financing, National Leasing, CWB Maxium Financial, CWB Franchise Finance and CWB Optimum Mortgage. Trust Services are offered through Canadian Western Trust. Comprehensive wealth management offerings are provided through CWB Wealth Management, which includes the businesses of McLean & Partners Wealth Management and Canadian Western Financial. As a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), CWB trades under the symbols “CWB” (common shares), “CWB.PR.B” (Series 5 Preferred Shares) and “CWB.PR.C” (Series 7 Preferred Shares). Learn more at www.cwb.com.

About Leopold’s Tavern  Leopold’s Tavern is a privately-owned, Regina-based company offering a “juke box dive bar atmosphere” at all their locations. Leopold’s Tavern opened their first unit in Regina, Saskatchewan, and hasn’t looked back. In October 2017, Leopold’s Tavern opened their 6^th location, their first in Alberta. They are scheduled to open their 7^th and 1^st location in Manitoba in 2018, with more openings planned for the balance of 2018 and onwards. They pride themselves on offering a place you can call your own: your local haunt, your clubhouse, a place to celebrate, your second home, your getaway, a part of your community, or even your place of work. Listen to the jukebox, enjoy the tasty homemade comfort food, and try the local/domestic craft beers. Visit them online at www.leopoldstavern.com.