Nandhana’s Plans Global Franchising After Samuthra Stake Deal

Singapore-based restaurant group Nandhana’s is preparing for international franchise expansion after Samuthra Group announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in its business. The plan would take the South Indian restaurant brand into Asian and Middle Eastern markets from January 2027, while keeping its eight existing Singapore outlets operating under their current management.

Acquisition sets out a phased ownership change

Samuthra Group announced the transaction on 4 November in a company release carried by NewsVoir. The diversified group said it planned to acquire the remaining 50% stake in phases, with completion targeted before April 2027.

The initial acquisition covers a half-share in six companies operating four restaurant brands in Singapore: Nandhana’s, Shri Balavinayagar, Nandhanas Express and Ministry of Briyani. Central kitchen and food production facilities are also included in the transaction.

That scope makes the deal broader than an investment in a single restaurant name. It brings together the existing dining operations and the production infrastructure that supports them, alongside plans to develop an international franchise network.

Established in 2020, Nandhana’s operates eight restaurants across its four brands. The company describes the group as specialising in authentic South Indian cuisine and says it serves approximately one million customers annually. Those figures provide the Singapore operating context for the proposed overseas expansion; they are company-reported figures rather than independently verified performance measures.

Singapore restaurants to retain menus and management

For customers and employees in Singapore, the announcement emphasises continuity rather than an immediate change to the restaurant offer.

Samuthra said all eight existing outlets would continue operating without changes to menus, employees or customer service. The existing management team, led by Mr Sivavadivel, will remain responsible for operations during the transition.

The distinction between ownership and day-to-day operations is important here. The announced shareholding change does not come with a Singapore rebranding programme or a new local outlet target. Instead, the stated approach is to preserve the current business while using its established operations as the basis for growth abroad.

For Singapore’s franchise community, the deal illustrates an expansion route involving an investor acquiring an existing multi-brand restaurant business before pursuing country-level partnerships. The immediate local development is the ownership transaction; the franchise growth programme is prospective and international.

Country-level partnerships targeted from January

Samuthra plans to expand Nandhana’s through a master country franchise model, offering exclusive country-level partnerships. According to the announcement, partners would receive support covering culinary expertise, recipes, training, supply chain and operational capabilities.

The first phase is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Its target markets are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, together with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. A second phase, planned for 2028–29, would focus on the United States and the United Kingdom.

These are expansion targets, not a list of confirmed restaurant openings. The announcement invites interest from investors and experienced restaurant operators, but does not identify signed country partners or give opening dates for individual overseas outlets.

The proposed structure also distinguishes this opportunity from a single-outlet franchise offer. Exclusive country-level partnerships have a different scope, making the eventual contractual requirements particularly important for potential applicants. The announcement outlines the intended support package but does not set out franchise fees, investment requirements or minimum development commitments.

Growth forecasts remain company expectations

Samuthra expects the expansion to generate approximately 2,000 jobs globally over three years. Its announcement also refers to 1,250 guaranteed placements and identifies 100 jobs in Singapore among the planned employment opportunities.

The group further estimates that the programme would channel S$10 million annually into India through ingredient sourcing, food processing, culinary training and associated investments.

These figures describe the company’s expectations for the expansion, rather than employment or spending already delivered. Progress will depend on the ownership transition and the execution of the planned international programme, including the development of country partnerships.

The next milestones to watch are the planned January 2027 start of the first franchise expansion phase and the targeted completion of the remaining stake acquisition before April 2027. Neither milestone should be treated as evidence that overseas restaurants are already trading.

Practical takeaway: Prospective country partners should assess the proposed territory, development obligations, investment requirements and operational support before committing. Singapore customers, meanwhile, have been told to expect continuity at the group’s eight existing restaurants.