Correction from Source: Corrects the name of interested party to 'New York-based Investment Fund 3G Capital' following a correction sent by the Source and deletes the penultimate para referring to 3i Capital
Burger chain Burger King Holdings Inc. (BKC), which became public in 2006, is in discussions with private equity firms for a possible sale of the company, the Wall Street Journal reported, quoting people familiar with the matter.
New York-based investment fund 3G Capital is said to be interested in the hamburger chain, but the status of the talks is not yet clear. "It's uncertain whether these discussions will result in a sale," the report added.
Burger King has a market capitalization of about $2.26 billion, and operates more than 12,000 restaurants in over 75 countries. However, after going public about four years ago, the fast food chain had a tough time as the recession and unemployment reduced consumer spending.
Last week the company said its fourth-quarter net income declined to $49.0 million or $0.36 per share from $58.9 million or $0.43 per share in the same quarter last year. Worldwide revenues slipped 1% to $623.0 million, impacted by lower comparable sales and currency translation.
At the time, the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Chidsey said, "In fiscal year 2010, we faced sustained levels of high unemployment and a fragile global economy that combined made this one of the toughest operating environments in recent history...As we enter fiscal 2011, we anticipate that the challenging consumer environment will continue due to high unemployment and underemployment levels and weak consumer confidence."
Following the announcement of the results, Credit Suisse lowered its fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 estimates on the company and also reduced its price target, citing capital constraints.
Burger King is not new to being held by private equity firms. In 2002, a group led by TPG Capital LLC, Bain Capital LLC and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners acquired the company from Diageo PLC for about $1.5 billion. They continue to have a 32% stake in the company, along with significant representation on its board.
Burger King shares closed at $16.45 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange, down by 1.91%, on 1.74 million shares. In the past year, its shares reached a high of $22.19 on April 27.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.