A number of rival chain are currently running the rule over Belgique, the continental-style bakery and delicatessen café chain, that was been placed on the market earlier this month, M&C Report has learnt.
Paul May, executive of Patisserie Valerie, confirmed to M&C Report that the company was one of the groups currently looking over the eight-strong business. It is thought that a number of national and regional operators have expressed an interest in the whole or parts of the company, with movement on a deal or deals for the business expected next month.
Davis Coffer Lyons is marketing the company, which was launched by husband and wife team Igor and Ann Bekaert and comprises eight leaseholds in locations such as Woodford Green, Bishop Stortford and Theydon Bois.
Offers are being sought for the entire business, groups of sites or single units.
Belgique opened its first outlet in 2005 and has since expanded across London and the Home Counties, as well as entering the franchising market.
The concept offers customers a bakery, patisserie, chocolaterie, coffee shop, tearoom, delicatessen and celebration cakes under one roof.
At one point the business had grown to 12 sites.
