Private equity firm BC Partners is in advanced talks to acquire restaurant chain Cote for £250m from CBPE Capital, Sky News has reported.
BC Partners said it would aim to triple Cote's 65-strong restaurant portfolio.
Cote recorded a 26.6% rise in profit to £16.2m last year and is expected to generate sales of close to £110m and pre-tax profits of more than £20m to the end of July.
The company was founded in 2007 by Richard Caring, Andy Bassadone, Chris Benians and Nick Fiddler.
UPDATE: CBPE Capital has confirmed the sale of its investment in Côte Restaurants to BC Partners.