Hawksmoor has been put up for sale, in a deal that is estimated to be worth up to £100m.

The FT has reported that two people familiar with the deal have stated the value, with the firm looking to sell up in order to grow its international footprint.

The restaurant chain operates in 13 locations globally, with 10 restaurants in the UK, one in New York and Dublin respectively, and a new operation that opened last week in Chicago.

Investment bank, Stephens, has been hired to run a sales process, speaking to potential buyers.

Graphite Capital, which has owned 51% of Hawksmoor since 2013, did not comment on the "market rumour", while Stephens declined to comment.

According to the FT, the restaurant chain’s chief executive and co-founder, Will Beckett, and another co-founder, Huw Gott, who own a minority stake, will retain their shareholding to continue to lead the company.

Hawksmoor did not comment on whether it was up for sale, but Beckett said: "We’ve got a great relationship with Graphite, and together we are getting to know the US investment community in more depth. As that continues, an opportunity may emerge that we wish to explore together."

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