It is widely reported that private equity firm 3i is one of several investment organisations being approached to consider taking a sizeable stake in Jamie Oliver’s restaurant empire. 3i was an investor in the Giraffe chain before it sold to Tesco.
It is understood that bids for a share of Oliver’s restaurant business – which includes Jamie’s Italian and Jamie Oliver’s Diner – may start as soon as next week. It is rumoured that a valuation of around £200 million has been placed on the business.
Separately, Jamie Oliver may also be considering the sale of a stake in his publishing interests.
Center Parcs
It is reported that Center Parcs, which now has 5 UK sites and reported profits last year of £147 million, is nearing a change of ownership.
Owner Blackstone is said to be selling the group, which has attracted considerable international interest, with Canada’s Brookfield emerging as the winner with a bid of £2.4 billion.
Asset manager Brookfield looks set for a higher profile in the UK: it recently took joint control of Canary Wharf, and also has a stake in Centre Point, the tower block above Tottenham Court Road in central London.