Boparan believed to be eyeing Gourmet Burger Kitchen buyout

Giraffe and Ed's Easy Diner operator Boparan Restaurant Group is reportedly set to acquire Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) out of administration.

According to Sky News the deal will save around 650 jobs and 35 GBK restaurants, with the closure of dozens more.

Before lockdown GBK employed almost 1,300 staff across 62 sites, but the chain was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Its current owner, South Africa-based Famous Brands, withdrew funding for the brand in April.

If confirmed, the sale is the latest in a string of deals that has reshaped the UK's casual dining landscape since lockdown began in March.

Boparan paid £3.4m to acquire 31 Carluccio's restaurants out of administration in May after the chain struggled with funding.

GBK's high street burger rival Byron was also sold out of administration to investment firm Calveton in July, while chains including The Restaurant Group and Wahaca have undergone restructuring.

GBK was founded in London in 2001 by three New Zealanders, including chef Peter Gordon. Famous Brands bought the chain for £120m in 2016 with a view to grow the business.

Deloitte is handling the pre-pack administration.