Le Pain Quotidien to close 10 UK locations in pre-pack administration

Most UK branches of Le Pain Quotidien have been saved from the brink of closure, it was revealed on Thursday, though around 200 people would lose their jobs in the deal.

Sky News reported that a newly-formed vehicle, BrunchCo21, was the buyer of the business, and was connected to the Belgium-based chain’s current backer, investment firm Cobepa.

It said 16 of Le Pain Quotidien’s 26 UK locations would remain operational, although its UK head office and 10 restaurants would close, meaning around 200 jobs would be lost.

The new owners were expected to make a formal announcement before the weekend, and would now enter talks with landlords for the 16 remaining locations.

Sky also said the new owners were understood to be prepared to invest in the UK business once the pre-pack administration completes, although further details were not clear at this stage.