Café Rouge flotation now in doubt – and more hospitality stories in what the weekend papers say

Café Rouge flotation now in doubt The mooted £250m flotation of Tragus Holdings, the company that owns the Café Rouge and Bella Italia restaurant chains, has been cast into doubt after strong interest from private equity firms. Tragus is understood to have been approached by three or four private equity firms indicating a willingness to offer up to £300m. - The Times, 2 December

Caffè Nero will recommend takeover bidCaffè NeroThe Times, 2 December

Coffee Republic expand northwardsCoffee Republic, the coffee and deli bar operator, has signed two regional development franchises with CR Direct to open outlets in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire. - The Times, 2 December.

Takeover for Rank to be considered Bookmaker William Hill is considering a takeover bid for Rank, the leisure group that is in the throes of selling its Hard Rock Café business for an estimated £500m. - The Observer, 3 December.

S&N on top after pubs sale Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) looks like being the big winner in last week's purchase by property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz of a 180-strong portfolio of Scotland's most profitable pubs in a deal worth around £150m. Under the arrangement, S&N not only unloads 46 of its own pubs into the portfolio of Tchenguiz's R20 group but also acquires the rights to manage and supply beer. - Sunday Herald, 3 December.

Trump may choose Ireland rather than Scotland for £1b golf resort Donald Trump, the American tycoon, has earmarked an alternative site in Ireland for his £1b golf development if his Scottish plans are delayed. The property magnate has revealed that he is prepared to switch locations if he encounters resistance to the proposed complex at Balmedie, in Aberdeenshire. - Sunday Times, (Scottish edition), 3 December.

28 Thistle hotels in £400m sale Leisure CIT Group, the investment company, is set to acquire 28 Thistle hotels for £400m. The properties, owned by Thistle, Morgan Stanley and Andy Ruhan, a Midlands entrepreneur, were part of a portfolio of 37 hotels sold by Thistle in 2002 for £600m in a sale and manage-back deal with the Orb Estates. - The Times, 2 December.

By Bob Gledhill

E-mail your comments to Bob Gledhill](mailto:chris.druce@rbi.co.uk?subject=weekend papers) here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -