Four have sights on Pierre Victoire

The receivers of troubled restaurant group Pierre Victoire have narrowed potential bidders down to four, with burger chain Wimpy International understood to be among them.

City Centre Restaurants, which declined to comment, and Perfect Pizza are also believed to be looking at the group, which comprises 83 franchised and 25 owned restaurants.

Catherine Young, marketing director for Wimpy, said: "We are still waiting for relevant information before making a decision."

A spokesman from receivers Grant Thornton said there had been "serious talks" with the four, but, so far, no firm offers. He added that there had been no acquisition approaches yet from franchisees.

Liz McAreavey, who runs Edinburgh-based contract catering and restaurant group Le Bistro, confirmed her interest but said she had not been involved in the talks.

Meanwhile, former owner Pierre Levicky has been employed as head chef by Dine Gassabi, franchisee of the group's outlet in Edinburgh's Union Street.