A COFFEE shop chain that started in Swindon has been bought by a major international cafe brand after months of talks and negotiations which continued during lockdown.

Triple Two Coffee has merged with Cooks Global Foods PLC which operates 144 Esquires Coffee stores in the UK, Ireland and China as well as other businesses based in the Middle East and Canada.

The firm says it will help secure jobs at the coffee chain for the foreseeable future and help the successful small chain grow and set up more branches around the country and abroad.

Co-founder and managing director David Hodgetts said sealing this partnership with a highly-experienced operator in such difficult circumstances showed that high-level companies see the market potential in the Triple Two name and its position in the industry.

He added: “The board of directors have been working with the Cooks Global Foods board for 12 months to secure this transaction.

“All through this period, the chemistry between the two organisations has been exceptional and a major reason this was completed even during these challenging Covid-19 times.”

“The Triple Two board recognised the strong synergies between the organisations which together make a fabulous combined business.

“Our exciting brand now has the backing of a larger organisation from the industry which will enable us to go from strength to strength, with part of the acquisition ensuring that all the directors will continue driving the business for years to come.”

With the merger completed, the chain hopes to increase its focus on its range of retail gifts and goodies, online coffee subscriptions, and cafe bar sites.

It has grown and grown since it opened as kiosk inside the Brunel Shopping Centre in 2016.

Despite the problems of the pandemic, the coffee shop’s first branch in mainland Europe is still set to open later this year in Paris.

Mr Hodgetts added: “The Triple Two model is to create a business that gives customers an experience where they can get great coffee and fantastic food.”