Swiss private investment firm Partners Group has acquired a substantial minority stake in Chinese casual-dining chain Green Tea Restaurant for an undisclosed amount.

Restaurant founders Qinsong Wang and Changmei Lu retain the balance.

Starting as a single restaurant in Hangzhou in 2008, the chain now has 78 wholly owned outlets across 19 cities, mainly in shopping malls.

Green Tea, the main brand of the family business, serves Chinese fusion cuisine in a traditional dining environment, while Play King, launched in January last year, serves a more casual western menu in a modern setting.

Partners Group’s investment will enable the chain to create value initiatives, including an enhanced marketing strategy and corporate governance framework, as well as optimising site selection for new restaurants.

Partners Group MD for value creation Tim Pihl Johannessen joins the board of directors along with the group’s private equity Asia senior VP Sheng Liu.