TGI Fridays ‘close to rescue deal’ that could save more than 2,000 UK jobs

The potential deal is likely to include existing leases and the right to use the TGI Fridays brand in the UK. Photograph: Chris Ison/PA

Administrators are reportedly finalising a rescue deal for the UK arm of the TGI Fridays restaurant chain in a move that could save more than 2,000 jobs.

Calveton and Breal Capital – the private equity owners behind upmarket restaurants including Le Pont de la Tour, Quaglino’s and Coq d’Argent – are said to be on the brink of buying up to 55 of the chain’s 87 UK restaurants, which could secure employment for almost half of the company’s 4,500 employees.