The Real Greek backers in sale talks

By Stefan Chomka

25-Mar-2011 - Last updated on 25-Mar-2011 at 12:37 GMT

Related tags: Districts of london, Clapham house

Talks surrounding the sale of The Real Greek have been ongoing since 2009

The Real Greek chain of six restaurants is set to have new owners after Capricorn Ventures, the private equity company behind the brand, along with Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Nando’s, said it was in talks to sell the business.

Capricorn, which bought The Real Greek owner Clapham House for £30.4m last September, is understood to have received interest from three parties for the chain, which is led by managing director Liz Williams.

A trade buyer is believed to be among the suitors, although a management buyout has not been ruled out.

London-based The Real Greek operates sites in Bankside, Covent Garden, Hoxton, Marylebone, Spitalfields and Westfield. A seventh site in Putney was disposed of last year.

Final bids for the chain were submitted last week and a due diligence process is under way, with a deal expected to be completed in May.

A sale of The Real Greek had been mooted by Clapham House as far back as 2009.