Group 1 - Consortium Brand Partners is entering the food business by acquiring California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in partnership with Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands, and Convive Brands [1][2] - The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Bain Capital Credit is providing debt and equity investment to support the deal, which is expected to close later this month [2] - Convive Brands will manage global operations and act as the master franchisor for all CPK restaurants worldwide, with Jon Weber appointed as CEO of the CPK restaurant group [3] Group 2 - CPK was founded in Beverly Hills in 1985 and currently operates 120 restaurants across 10 countries, along with a growing consumer packaged goods business selling frozen pizzas in over 10,000 grocery stores internationally [4] - The company has recently introduced a pizza vending machine concept aimed at airports, campuses, and entertainment venues [4] - Jonathan Greller, president and cofounder of Consortium Brand Partners, emphasized the goal of expanding CPK's global restaurant footprint and grocery presence while exploring new product categories [5][6]