Pret-A-Manger owners considering £1.3 billion New York Stock Exchange listing for sandwich chain

Pret-A-Manger could soon be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under plans being considered by its private equity owners.

Bridgepoint wants to boost profits from the high-street sandwich chain's overseas businesses before launching an initial public offering next year.

As well as the UK, Pret operates in Asia and across the Atlantic, where it is now profitable.

Bridgepoint, which also owns clothing retailer Fat Wace and cycling store Wiggle, is understood to be looking at the US following successful listings by companies including Shake Shack and Chipotle Mexican Grill, which have attracted high valuations and and have proved to be popular with investors.

A spokesman said: “We said at the time of the refinancing in 2013 that we would extend our holding period for Pret ... no decision has been taken about the type or timing of exit.”

Bridgepoint acquired Pret in 2008 for around £354 million.

The almost 30-year-old chain now has over 370 shops in the UK, US, France, Hong Kong and China and employs 9000 people.