Domino's in the mix for Wingstop UK takeover as four firms target chicken chain

It is understood the sale process could value Wingstop's UK franchise at around £400m. It comes amid continued growth by chicken chains in the UK

A quartet of bidders, including Domino's Pizza, is eyeing the UK arm of fried chicken chain Wingstop, with the sale potentially valuing the business at around £400m.

US investment firm Sixth Street and private equity firms KKR and TSG Consumer Partners are also in the running. Prospective buyers have until December 16 to submit their final bids.

Wingstop currently operates 56 UK sites, having opened 17 this year as part of its rapid expansion. The chain was launched in the UK by Tom Grogan, Saul Lewin, and Herman Sahota, who retain a minority stake.

The New York-listed Wingstop group, which operates over 2,000 US branches, holds a minority stake in UK master franchisee Lemon Pepper Holdings. Wingstop's popularity surge comes amid the UK's growing demand for chicken chains, with Popeyes also expanding rapidly and new entrants like Dave's Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A joining the market.

Domino's Pizza, a potential buyer, has expressed interest in acquiring a second brand if it identifies "synergies" with its existing assets. Wingstop UK and Domino's Pizza declined to comment, while Sixth Street, KKR, and TSG Consumer Partners have been contacted for comment.