A company spokesperson has denied that 200-store strong chicken franchise, Lenard's, is up for sale.
The spokesperson told Franchising “at this stage Lenard’s is not selling, but conducting a strategic review of the business. When the Board completes the review they will discuss it publicly.”
The spokesperson did, however, confirm "Lenard's has met with Ernst & Young to consider the strategic direction of the business.”
Butcher Lenard Poulter established the business in 1987 after he recognised there was a lack of value-added chicken products on the market.
The business adopted the franchise model in 1988, and it continues to offer a broad range of value-added products.
These include:
- Chicken schnitzel
- Chicken parmigiana
- Chicken mignon
- Marinated chicken wings
- Chicken Kiev
- Chicken cordon bleu
Most recently, the company has developed a ready meals range comprised of Mexican and Asian inspired meal kits and barbie bags for its time poor customers.
Blue Sky Private Equity took a minority stake in Lenard’s Group Holdings Pty Ltd in 2008. According to InsideRetail, Poulter and members of management currently hold a 58 percent stake in the company.