Tokyo, Nov. 13 (Jiji Press)–Watami Co., a Japanese restaurant chain, is considering going private through a management buyout scheme, people familiar with the matter said Friday. An asset management company of Miki Watanabe, founder, chairman and CEO of the operator of “izakaya” Japanese-style pubs, will launch a tender offer for the company soon, the people said. By giving more flexibility to management, Watami aims to accelerate its shift to a structure not dependent on izakaya operations as more consumers, especially young people, stay away from alcohol. The company has been working to expand its non-izakaya operations by acquiring the Japanese operations of the Subway sandwich chain in 2024 and operating boxed meal delivery services. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
