The Bangkok-listed hotelier, which has a portfolio of 157 hotels and resorts in 24 countries, confirmed it had acquired the stake in Corbin & King today.

In a statement it said it planned to expand its “close partnership” with Corbin & King to grow the restaurateur’s portfolio.

Reports suggest the deal is valued at around £60 million, and will see founders Chris Corbin and Jeremy King continue as minority investors.

Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive of Minor Hotels, said: “We at Minor Hotels are thrilled to be entering the UK market and are proud to partner with such a respected industry leader.

“Our strategic joint venture will build upon Minor Hotels’ history of operating signature restaurants within our hotels and in third-party locations. We look forward to working with Jeremy and Chris to expand the Corbin & King portfolio in the UK and key international markets.”

Jeremy King, chief executive of Corbin & King, said, “We took our time to find the right partner to take Corbin & King forward and I couldn’t be happier that we found Bill Heinecke and Dillip Rajakarier and their team at Minor, for whom my respect grows daily. I look forward eagerly to the opportunities this presents.”