CARDIFF, UK – SA Brain & Co is considering a potential sale of its fast expanding coffee business, Coffee #1.
The Cardiff-based and family-owned brewing and hospitality business, has appointed City of London advisory firm Sapient to look at strategic options, including the company only selling a minority stake in the business.
The process is at an early stage and could see the company deciding not to pursue any deal.
SA Brain & Co, which trades under the Brains brand, acquired the Coffee#1 in 2011 from entrepreneur James Shapland.
City sources said that several private equity firms have expressed interest in the business, which could be worth up to £60m.
A spokesman for SA Brain & Co, which is currently considering locations for a new headquarters and brewing operation, said: “Coffee#1 is an amazing success story and a leader in its field.
“As you would expect, the board continually considers strategies and opportunities to maximise the growth potential of the business.
One strategy which SA Brain is considering currently is to seek a potential partner to provide further development capital to expand our successful Coffee#1 business through to the next stage of its growth.
” SA Brain intends to remain a committed shareholder in the business which currently comprises 77 premium branded, artisan coffee shops. Beyond that, we will not comment further.”
