The Buddha-Bar Paris is a popular restaurant and bar located in the heart of the city. It has become a top destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its exotic ambiance, delicious food, and unique cocktails. However, there has been some confusion about who exactly owns the Buddha-Bar Paris.
The Origin of Buddha-Bar Paris
The Buddha-Bar Paris was first opened in 1996 by Raymond Visan, a French entrepreneur who was inspired by his travels to Asia. He wanted to create a space that combined the elegance of French culture with the mystique of Asian culture. The result was a chic restaurant and bar that quickly became a sensation in Paris.
The Ownership Controversy
In 2013, the ownership of the Buddha-Bar Paris came into question when it was discovered that Visan had sold the brand to an investment fund based in Luxembourg called Axa Private Equity. This led to some controversy as many people believed that the brand had lost its authenticity and cultural significance.
However, it was later revealed that Visan had retained ownership of the original Buddha-Bar location in Paris, along with two other locations in London and Dubai. Axa Private Equity only owned the rights to expand the brand globally.
The Current Ownership
In 2016, Raymond Visan passed away at the age of 68. Following his death, his daughter Tarja Visan took over as CEO of George V Eatertainment, which is the holding company for all three Buddha-Bar locations owned by Visan.
As for Axa Private Equity’s ownership, they eventually sold their stake in Buddha-Bar Worldwide to L Catterton, a luxury goods investment firm backed by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). L Catterton now holds a majority stake in Buddha-Bar Worldwide, which includes locations in cities such as Monte Carlo, Moscow, and Manila.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the ownership of the Buddha-Bar Paris has been a topic of controversy over the years. While Axa Private Equity did own the rights to expand the brand globally, Raymond Visan retained ownership of the original location in Paris and two other locations.
Today, his daughter Tarja Visan is in charge of those three locations, while L Catterton owns the majority stake in Buddha-Bar Worldwide. Regardless of who owns it, the Buddha-Bar Paris remains a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique dining and nightlife experience in Paris.