Italy-Restaurant chain expands.

ITALAY-RESTAURANT CHAIN GOES GLOBAL.

ITALIAN restaurant chain Carluccio’s was on the menu for a potential buyer yesterday after the firm said it had received a preliminary takeover approach.

The move comes a month after Carluccio’s brushed aside recession concerns with a 14 per cent hike in half-year sales.

Richard Caring, the restaurateur who owns landmark London dining spots such as the Ivy and Le Caprice, is a major shareholder in Carluccio’s and has recently been linked with speculation over a possible bid.

Carluccio’s has 42 outlets and this year opened its second overseas restaurant in Dubai.