Well-known Melbourne bakery chain Laurent has landed a major investment deal with BGH Capital.

The Australian Financial Review revealed that the Australian private equity firm will replace a silent co-investor, working alongside Laurent Bakery Group founder Laurent Boillon to try to grow the business.

As well as its almost 20 bakeries across Melbourne, the Group also supplies Coles nationally with its sourdough and other artisan breads, which arrive par-baked to be finished in store.

French-born Boillon trained at the prestigious Lenôtre school in Paris and opened his first boutique bakery at the Como Centre in South Yarra in 1993, which is still there today, having recently undergone extensive renovations.

“When I first came to Australia I was struck by the openness of the space, the clean air and thought almost immediately, this was a great place to make good food,” he said.

“Baking was my craft and my love, but it was clear Australians back then, really had no idea of traditional high-quality French baking. Still I was confident that they would really embrace this, once they had a chance to experience it and many had already done that on trips to France.”