Private equity firm Mayfair Equity Partners is reportedly the frontrunner to acquire sushi chain Yo! Sushi for up to £100m.
The newly founded firm is thought to have outbid Inflexion, though the later may yet return with a higher bid.
Yo! Sushi is looking for a buyer to fund its expansion in the US where, following the launch of two outlets, it plans to open around 50 sites over the next six years.
The company was acquired by private equity firm, Quilvest in 2008 for around £51m, and the brand has since grown to over 90 sites including 10 franchises outside the UK.
Yo! Sushi posted total sales up 7% to £75.8m in the year to 30 November 2014.