Grand Union, the Luke Johnson-backed London-based bar chain, is understood to be reviewing its options.
MCA understands that the group has produced a prospectus for its nine-strong estate and has been speaking to possible suitors.
Asked about the potential for a sale of the business, founder Adam Marshall told MCA: “From time to time we get approaches from possible buyers for the business, and like any owners when we do we review our options. Obviously any such conversations will always be confidential.
“We remain enthusiastic about the potential for Grand Union and are concentrating on maximising Christmas trade.”
The group, which was founded in 2006, currently operates eight sites around London under its eponymous cocktail-led format.
In June it opened a new concept, Trade Union, which sees it partner with operators including Vagabond Coffee and Drake’s of London barber shop on a turnover-related agreement.
Marshall told MCA in October that he was eyeing a rollout for the concept, both in London and internationally. He also said he saw potential to grow the Grand Union brand opportunistically, but described the London property market as “ferocious”.
In the year to 26 March, Grand Union saw revenues increase 11.4% to £8.1m with EBITDA climbing 21% to £1.5m.
Luke Johnson backed the management buyout in 2013. He currently owns 50% of the company, with Marshall holding the rest of the shares.
