Did Pret A Manger Want to Go Public? The Rumor Is Real
While Pret A Manger’s fresh‑cut favourites have been lighting up café counters for over three decades, the big question is: What if the sandwich chain goes up the street?
The JAB House of Cards
JAB Holding, the Luxembourg‑based conglomerate that owns everything from Keurig Dr Pepper to Krispy Kreme, snapped up Pret in 2018 for a hefty £1.5 billion. The deal set the stage for a “potential IPO” down the road. According to the Financial Times, JAB isn’t pushing a stake sale right now. But they might change gears if the market looks good.
During a recent conversation with the FT, JAB’s spokesperson said, “As we move closer to a potential IPO, we may evaluate bringing on a pre‑IPO investor.” In plain language: Pret and JAB are holding the door open for the future, but not rushing into it.
From Sandwiches to Swag
- Take‑away roots: Pret opened its first London shop in 1986 and grew to 700 salons worldwide.
- Workforce wonder: The company now employs 12,500 people across the globe.
- Sibling businesses: JAB’s portfolio spans coffee machines, donuts, and even a former Burger‑King chief exec as chairman.
Why the Rumor Mill?
Some investors are whispering that a fresh influx of capital could take Pret’s trusted menu—think sour‑cream & chive soup, artisan avocado toast—to even bigger horizons. Others say the current shareholders want to keep the chain cozy, all the while planning a “soft launch” through a pre‑IPO investor.
In the end, whether Pret A Manger bumps into the public markets remains a speculative drama—much like a slow‑burning pizza for your taste buds.
The Bottom Line
All we can say for now is that Pret is contemplating its next move, with JAB Holding standing by. If Pret finally decides to offer its sandwich empire to the world, it’ll be about more than just carbs; it’ll be about a fresh chapter in the food‑for‑thought industry.
