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Pizza chain Franco Manca is set to shut 16 of its 70 restaurants, resulting in approximately 225 job losses.

Parent company The Fulham Shore has secured creditor approval for a restructuring of the business.

The family favourite chain presently operates 70 restaurants ahead of the closures but said it has been hit by "disproportionately high" UK taxes and an absence of business rates relief for restaurants.

The affected restaurants were "no longer sustainable" as a consequence.

Franco Manca's company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposal received backing from more than 90% of voting creditors, enabling it to proceed.

Last week, Fulham Shore placed its sister restaurant brand The Real Greek into administration.

It was immediately acquired by Cote owner Karali Group but announced the closure of nine of its 28 restaurants.

Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said: "We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today. Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance."

Paul Berkovi, managing director of Alvarez and Marsal, said: "Today's vote saw a significant majority of the company's creditors support the CVA, reflecting constructive engagement across stakeholders.

"Against a challenging backdrop for the sector, this is an important step for Franco Manca, enabling the business to complete its financial restructuring and secure the platform for its operational transformation."

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