Pizza Express set for talks over £1bn debt pile

[scooterscot]

Presumably the debt is from rapid growth and buying premises?

Funds used to buy controlling shares.

It's not so different to over leveraged home buyers at the height of the housing market borrowing more cash than they could afford. Irresponsible lenders or smart ass bond holders about to collect a lot of assets.

[sal]

Classic move by Private Equity firm:

1) Buy a OKish doing, well recognised and respected brand
2) Saddle it with debt up the wazoo
3) Pay out generous dividends and compensation packages to the directors
4) Enter administration