Restaurant industry and financial observers aren't expressing much surprise at reports by the
Wall Street Journal and
New York Times that Burger King Holdings is actively
seeking to sell to a private equity firm.
Experts cite BK's recent lackluster performance, particularly versus McDonald's, iffy prospects for increasing BK's value in the near term,
and a revitalized M&A climate (PE firms are very much back in the M&A game). Some speculate that a new owner might reposition the chain to better compete with McDonald's.