Harry Ramsden's faces potential sale
Harry Ramsden's, the iconic fish and chip chain, could soon be sold for up to £25m, it emerged today.
The chain's owner, Select Service Partners (SSP), has hired the corporate finance arm of accountants KPMG to review strategic options for Harry Ramsden's, including a potential sale, reports the Times.
SSP has decided its Harry Ramsden's outlets, which are largely found in seaside resorts and shopping centres, do not sit comfortably with its main operations, running branded food outlets at railway stations and airports, the newspaper said.
The chain comprises 32 branches, including five franchised restaurants, and the operation has annual sales of about £25m.
Harry Ramsden spent £150 to open his first fish and chip shop in 1928 in the West Yorkshire town of Guiseley, where the business still retains a presence.
SSP, which also runs brands such as Cafe Ritazza and Upper Crust as well as being a franchisee for Pizza Hut and Burger King, is owned by private equity firm EQT. It bought the business from Compass Group for £1.2b
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By Daniel Thomas
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