Quick Answer
Gong cha is a tea drink brand founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In 2017, the operator of Gong cha Korea acquired a 70% stake in the brand; in 2019, private equity firm TA Associates invested and took control, and in 2020 headquarters moved to London, UK, with the business run by Gong cha Global. In August 2026, Bain Capital announced it would acquire Gong cha from shareholders including TA Associates, with the deal expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026. According to the acquisition news, Gong cha has about 2,200 stores in 33 markets, with established scale in Japan, Korea and Australia and continued expansion in the Americas and Europe.
What Is Gong cha?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006, Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| Headquarters | London, UK (since 2020) |
| Stores worldwide | About 2,200 in 33 markets (2026 acquisition news) |
| Key markets | Japan, Korea, Australia, with expansion in the Americas and Europe |
| Operator | Gong cha Global; Bain Capital announced an acquisition in August 2026 |
Gong cha’s Changes in Ownership
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Founded in Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| 2017 | Gong cha Korea’s operator acquires a 70% stake |
| 2019 | TA Associates invests and takes control |
| 2020 | Headquarters moves to London, UK |
| 2026 | Bain Capital announces an acquisition, expected to close in Q4 |
Gong cha’s story shows that a bubble tea brand born in Taiwan can expand quickly with international capital, and that brand ownership may move overseas along the way.
3 Lessons for Bubble Tea Businesses
- A brand can become an investment target: a standardized menu, SOPs and franchise system are the foundation for attracting investment; see Bubble Tea Shop SOP and Staff Training.
- Regional rights matter: the Korean market operator later became the brand’s main shareholder, showing the value of regional partners; see What Is a Brand-Authorized Distributor?
- Multi-country supply chains: stores in 33 markets need reliable cross-border ingredient supply; see How to Consolidate Shipments from Multiple Suppliers.
How Tang Sugar Helps Bubble Tea Brands
Tang Sugar supplies bubble tea ingredients including teas, fruit syrups, tapioca pearls and powders, with a single quote for your whole menu and consolidated container shipping, plus international procurement agency and multilateral trade services. Contact us.
Note: This article summarizes public information about the brand’s development. Tang Sugar has no partnership or affiliation with the brands mentioned; brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Products in this article
All 82 Bubble Tea & Boba Ingredients →
FAQ
Where is Gong cha from?
Gong cha was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and has been headquartered in London, UK since 2020.
Who owns Gong cha?
Private equity firm TA Associates has held control since 2019; in August 2026 Bain Capital announced an acquisition, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
How many stores does Gong cha have?
According to the 2026 acquisition news, about 2,200 stores in 33 markets.
Is Gong cha Taiwanese?
Gong cha was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; ownership changed hands from 2017, and in 2020 headquarters moved to London, with the business run by Gong cha Global.
Further Reading
- The Chatime Brand Story
- Taking a Bubble Tea Brand Overseas
- Bubble Tea in Japan
- Is THE ALLEY Taiwanese?
Sources
- CNBC (2026-08-06): Bain Capital to acquire bubble tea chain Gong cha
- Business Wire (2026-08-05): TA Portfolio Company Gong cha to Be Acquired by Bain Capital
- Wikipedia: Gong Cha
