Tokyo-based private equity firm The Longreach Group Ltd. agreed to purchase the shares of Chat Noir K.K. from an undisclosed seller.

Established in 1965, Chat Noir owns coffee shop chains in Japan, with more than 190 stores operating mainly under the self-service Caffè Veloce brand.

The investment from Longreach is expected to accelerate Chat Noir's growth via new store expansion to regional markets in the country.

Longreach supports companies in the specialty consumer business sector.