Tao Group Hospitality announced April 28 that it has acquired Hakkasan Group. The deal creates a hospitality powerhouse that includes 61 entertainment, dining and nightlife venues in 22 markets across five continents.

The combined company’s collection of hospitality brands include Tao Group Hospitality’s Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Avenue, Cathédrale and Koma, as well as Hakkasan Group’s Hakkasan, Yauatcha, Omnia, Ling Ling, Jewel and Casa Calavera brands, among several others.

Hakkasan’s portfolio expands Tao’s domestic reach in key markets such as Las Vegas, Southern California and Miami, while also growing Tao’s international presence. Hakkasan Group has five venues in London, including its Michelin star-rated flagship restaurants, Hakkasan Mayfair and the original Hakkasan Hanway Place. Hakkasan Group also operates four venues throughout the Middle East, providing an instant platform for growth in several fast-developing markets.

Hakkasan Group’s executive team will continue to run day-to-day operations for the Hakkasan properties under the direction of Tao Group Hospitality, led by co-CEOs Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss. Tao Group Hospitality, founded by Rich Wolf, Marc Packer, Tepperberg and Strauss in 2000, is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Tao Group Hospitality this past March opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at the Mohegan casino in Uncasville, CT.