One of Britain's greatest informal eating operators is to start testing consumers' urge for food for a deal subsequent 12 months in a transfer that would see chains equivalent to Ask and Coco di Mama altering fingers.

Sky News has learnt that Azzurri Group, which is owned by Towerbrook Capital Partners, has begun talks with funding bankers about an public sale that might launch someday subsequent 12 months.

Azzurri operates round 220 websites throughout the UK, using 1000's of individuals.

It additionally owns the Zizzi chain, and not too long ago acquired Boojum, an Irish-based restaurant idea.

One supply mentioned that Rothschild was within the working to be appointed to deal with the method.

Towerbrook took management of the informal eating chains on the peak of the pandemic in 2020, when the enterprise - like many others within the sector - went by means of a pre-pack administration.

The manufacturers had beforehand been owned by Bridgepoint, one other non-public fairness agency.

A change of possession would make Azzurri the newest in a string of offers within the sector.

Wagamana's proprietor, The Restaurant Group (TRG) , not too long ago offered chains equivalent to Garfunkel's and Frankie & Benny's, to The Big Table, one other restaurant holding firm.

TRG itself is within the technique of being offered to Apollo Global Management.

Towerbrook and Azzurri declined to remark.