Bridgepoint, the private equity backer of Itsu, is understood to be working on a potential sale of its stake in the east Asian-inspired food chain.
According to Sky News, Bridgepoint is lining up Goldman Sachs to advise on a sale of its holding. City sources believe a process is likely to begin within months, with Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe eager to draw in another big investor with the ability to advance the chain’s international growth.
In 2021, Bridgepoint signed a deal to take a minority stake in the group, supporting the brand’s target of opening up to 100 new UK restaurants in five years.
It was not the first time the private equity firm had worked with Metcalfe to grow a business. In 2008, Bridgepoint acquired Pret a Manger from its co-founders, Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham. Pret was later sold to international private equity firm JAB in 2018.
It follows strong growth at Itsu in the year to 1 January 2026, with group revenues rising 14.1% to £201m. It ended the year with a pre-tax profit of £3.9m, an improvement on a loss of £6.9m in the year prior.
In its fmcg division, turnover soared 33% to £75.8m, while pre-tax profits jumped from £2.5m to £12.5m. Itsu Grocery is now on course to build revenues equal to that of its sister nationwide restaurant chain by 2027, according to Chris Ford, co-managing director of the division.
Bridgepoint declined to comment. Itsu has been contacted for comment.
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