Walter Butler takes control of the Moma Group
Discreet businessman Walter Butler is establishing himself as a key player in the French catering scene. With the purchase of the prestigious Moma Group, he has made a major acquisition, while leaving a stake in its founder Benjamin Patou.
The Moma Group, founded in 1997 by Benjamin Patou, today represents one of the jewels in the crown of Paris’s restaurant and entertainment scene. With no fewer than 36 establishments, including 18 in the capital, and almost 800 employees, this group embodies a certain vision of festive dining, combining high-end gastronomy with a trendy atmosphere. Its flagship addresses include Lapérouse, Le Boeuf sur le Toit, Mimosa and Noto.
A discreet but influential player: Walter Butler
Walter Butler, known for his talents as a strategic investor, is far from a novice in the business world. His acquisition of 85% of the Moma Group’s capital marks a major coup that leaves no one indifferent. Benjamin Patou, for his part, retains a 15% minority stake alongside his historic partners, demonstrating his determination to maintain continuity in the Group’s identity.
Moma’s rise to prominence in Paris
Since its creation, the Moma Group has positioned itself as a veritable laboratory of innovation in the restaurant business. It has transformed historic establishments such as the Paradis Latin and the Lapérouse into sought-after modern living spaces, while surrounding itself with Michelin-starred chefs and renowned decorators. With evenings hosted by top DJs, he has also imposed a hybrid model combining haute cuisine and festive ambience.
In Paris, these establishments embody a unique art de vivre, attracting both Parisians and international visitors in search of exceptional experiences. The model is clear: combine prestige and conviviality, in places where history and modernity meet.
The future of the Moma Group under Walter Butler’s leadership
The arrival of Walter Butler could breathe new life into the Group. As a businessman renowned for his ability to reposition and grow companies, Butler holds all the cards to further strengthen the Moma Group’s influence in Paris and beyond.
However, the group’s bold, festive identity, carried by Benjamin Patou for almost three decades, remains an inescapable asset. This duo, combining strategic vision and operational expertise, could well transform the Moma Group into an international benchmark.
If you’d like to discover the Moma Group’s must-visit addresses or follow this transformation, feel free to explore our selection of the best establishments in Paris on Paris Select.