Oliver & Bonacini and Katz Group Announce Partnership

TORONTO, ONTARIO and EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 14, 2015) - Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants (O&B) and Katz Group today announced a partnership that will see O&B continue to grow on both a local and national level.

Founded in 1993 by Michael Bonacini and Peter Oliver, O&B is recognized as one of Canada's leading fine dining restaurant, events and catering groups, with operations spanning 12 standalone restaurants and eight event venues, including Toronto's historic Arcadian Court and The Carlu. It is this reputation that led Katz Group to make a substantial non-controlling investment in O&B as their hospitality partner.

"For over two decades, Oliver & Bonacini has led the hospitality industry in Toronto. With a proven track record and established relationships, we are thrilled to be partnering with this organization," said Daryl Katz, Chairman of Katz Group. "Their expertise in unique concept restaurants and event management will contribute greatly to our future projects. We look forward to working with the Oliver & Bonacini team to create new opportunities and celebrate additional growth across Canada."

Founded by Canadian entrepreneur Daryl Katz, Katz Group is one of Canada's largest privately owned companies, with operations in the pharmacy, sports & entertainment, and real estate development sectors. Katz Group owns and operates the Oilers Entertainment Group (including NHL team the Edmonton Oilers) as well as more than 460 Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacies across Canada.

Katz Group is also currently developing Edmonton's ICE District - Canada's largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district. Through this partnership, O&B will become the hospitality consultant for ICE District as well as for Oilers Entertainment Group.

"Choosing the right partner is the most important decision a company can make, as I've learned from the 22 year relationship of Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini. Daryl and his team at Katz Group understand and share our vision for O&B's future," said Andrew Oliver, president, Oliver & Bonacini. "This partnership opens the door for growth, not only for both of our companies, but also provides major opportunities for our employees."

About Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants

Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) is recognized as one of Canada's leading fine dining restaurant, events and catering companies, operating 12 unique and innovative restaurants in Ontario. Operations include à la carte dining, quick service dining, catering and special events. Restaurants include America, Auberge du Pommier, Bannock, Biff's Bistro, Canoe, Canteen, Jump, Luma, and Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill (Toronto, North York, Blue Mountain, Oakville). Operations are supported by an in-house bakery and chocolate/confections shop, O&B Artisan. The company's private dining and events division, Oliver & Bonacini Events and Catering, manages a number of large-scale event facilities, including Arcadian, Toronto Region Board of Trade, Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, Muskoka, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto (in collaboration with INK Entertainment), and The Carlu.

About Katz Group

Katz Group was founded by Daryl Katz and is one of Canada's largest privately owned enterprises with operations in pharmacy, sports and entertainment, and real estate development. For more information, please visit katzgroup.ca.