A GLASGOW entrepreneur has snapped up full control of seven popular city venues in a deal worth over £15 million.

Oli Norman, who built a successful group of seven major bars and restaurants with partner Stephen White, has now taken sole charge of Sloans, Brel, Maggie May’s and The Griffin.

Oli, 40, who is founder of deals site itison, has also taken sole ownership of Epicures of Hyndland, nearby Nick’s Italian Kitchen and Bar and the newly-launched Jacques in Finnieston, which recently underwent a major refurbishment.

The group, which employs over 200 staff, has grown rapidly under the joint ownership of Oli and Stephen, who launched their partnership in 2010, with Sloans.

Stephen, 58, who today sold his 50 per cent share to Norman, said: “Oli and I have complemented each other very well and the growth of the business is something we’re both extremely proud of.

“We’ve achieved strong, sustained growth in a very competitive market and I felt it was the right time to sell my share of the business to Oli and move on to my next venture.

“I’ve got some very interesting opportunities which I’m keen to take forward in the coming months.”

Stephen, who also owns several other well-known Glasgow venues, including Blackfriars and Munro’s - as well as being founder of the Scottish Gin Society - added: “Oli will undoubtedly continue the group’s expansion and I’m excited to see what he does next.

“The business is in extremely good shape, with a very talented and highly-motivated team and is well-placed to capitalise on Glasgow’s burgeoning bar and restaurant scene.

Oli added: “My partnership with Stephen has been incredibly successful and we’ve had a great journey together.

“I’m excited about the future, particularly following the recent acquisition of Nick’s, Epicures and Jacques, with major plans in store for them.”