Mercapital in talks over Arturo division

Risk capital firm Mercapital is reportedly in talks to buy a 45-55% stake of the catering division of Spanish hotel, restaurant and catering firm Grupo Arturo.

The move comes ahead of a planned stock market listing in three years’ time, Expansion reported, citing Grupo Arturo chairman Arturo Fernandez. The catering division accounts for over 60% of total group sales.

According to the press report, the chairman would not be drawn on any financial details of the operation and Mercapital sources declined comment but it is thought that Mercapital’s aim is to grow Grupo Arturo’s catering division through new acquisitions, creating a company with yearly sales of some €200m, compared with €135m in 2007.

One of the main areas that could pose problems is reported to be a possible mismatch between the size of the stake that Arturo’s chairman is prepared to sell and the majority stake that Mercapital is expected to target.