London, Nov 7 - Robert Tchenguiz is eyeing a stock-market flotation of his collection of food-focused bars and restaurants in the first half of next year, a source close to the property tycoon told Reuters on Wednesday.
"We have got a large food component with Slug and Lettuce, Ha Ha and La Tasca. An IPO is the top of our options," the source said.
"Nothing will happen this year. If it does, it would be Q1 or Q2 (2008)," he added.
The Sunday Times reported that Tchenguiz values the clutch of eateries in his Laurel group at around 400 million pounds ($840.1 million).
The source added that a search for bankers and advisers had not begun.
If the float plans went ahead, Laurel would join a queue of restaurant groups looking to cash in on spiralling valuations in the sector.
Tragus, which runs Cafe Rouge and Strada and is owned by Blackstone, has said it may float at the start of next year. Argentine steak specialist Gaucho Grill is looking to do the same while noodle bar Wagamama put itself up for sale after doing a U-turn on similar plans.