Bain Capital is looking to bid for a stake in the benefits and rewards services unit of French food caterer Sodexo as the Paris-listed firm is on the lookout for investors that could help fund the group's turnaround, sources have told Reuters.
Minority Stake
Sodexo, which has a market value of €12 billion, is looking to sell a minority stake of approximately 30% in the business which has been driving the group's post-COVID recovery by providing employee benefit programmes as well as meal vouchers and gift cards, one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Auction Process
An auction process is due to start this week, with other private equity firms expected to join the race, the source said.
Organic Revenues And Valuation
Sodexo's benefits unit delivered a 7% jump in organic revenues in its latest quarterly results. Its valuation could exceed €2 billion, based on core earnings of approximately €200 million, the source said.
Spokesperson Statements
A spokesperson for Sodexo said that the company would keep majority control of the benefits and rewards business, adding that "in this context we are currently studying various strategic options."
The spokesperson also ruled out plans for an initial public offering (IPO).
Bain Not Available To Comment
Bain was not immediately available to comment.
Hit Hard By Pandemic
Sodexo, which is one of the world's biggest catering companies alongside Britain's Compass, has been hit hard by the pandemic and had to cut jobs and halt dividend payments to stay afloat.
Unlike restaurants, caterers like Sodexo - which serves businesses, government agencies, hospitals, schools and event organisers - do not have a direct relationship with consumers and have been unable to focus on home deliveries during lockdowns.
Remote Working Impact
Last week, Sodexo, which was founded in 1966 by French billionaire Pierre Bellon, warned that a prolonged return to remote working caused by the Omicron variant would affect its revenue.
Green Light To Carve-Out Of Benefits Division
The Bellon family, which holds a 42.8% stake in the company, has given the green light to the carve-out of the benefits division, which also provides fuel cards, incentive programmes and sports passes.
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