Italian café chain Carluccio’s is to be sold or floated on the stock market for an estimated £50m.

Founders Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio – who own around 20 per cent of the group – could make up to £10m from the sale.

Chef Antonio set up the company in 1999 with a Caffé in Market Place, off Oxford Street, London. Carluccio’s now has 21 branches, the Neal Street Restaurant and an online shop.

A spokesperson for Carluccio’s said: “Carluccio’s is continuing to pursue a strategic review on behalf of its shareholders and is currently seeking their views in the way forward.

“Antonio, Priscilla and the management team will remain involved and will continue to provide consistently excellent food and service to their growing customer base whatever the outcome may be.” Details: www.carluccios.com