News

Pizza Express expected to go public again

April 17, 2005

The Sunday Times: Pizza Express is interviewing investment banks in anticipation of a return to the public market as early as this fall.

The chain's owner, TDR Capital, wants to hire a bank to advise it on strategic options for Pizza Express, the most likely of which is a flotation. TDR will make a decision on which adviser to appoint in the next few weeks.

TDR took Pizza Express private in June 2003 for £278 million (U.S. $146.8 million). Last year it bought rival restaurant group Ask, whose brands also include Zizzi, for £213 million (U.S. $112.5 million). The group has about 500 restaurants.

Read more ...