Chuck E. Cheese, the restaurant chain that emerged from bankruptcy three years ago, is exploring a sale amid acquisition interest, in response to people aware of the matter.
The Irving, Texas-based company, known for its arcade games and rat mascot Charles Entertainment “Chuck E.” Cheese, is working with investment bank Goldman Sachs on an auction process that would attract private equity firms in addition to peers similar to Dave & Busters Entertainment, the sources said.
CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese, has told potential acquirers it expects to generate around 1.2 billion in revenue and $195 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) this yr, the sources added. Based on the valuation metrics of its peers, the corporate could fetch well over $1 billion in a sale, in response to the sources.
Chuck E. Cheese emerged from bankruptcy three years ago. REUTERS
The sources cautioned that no deal is for certain and asked to not be identified since the matter is confidential. Goldman Sachs declined to comment. CEC Entertainment and Dave & Busters didn’t immediately reply to requests for comment.
Private equity firm Apollo Global Management acquired Chuck E. Cheese in 2014 for $1.3 billion, including debt. The corporate filed for bankruptcy in June 2020 after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic weighed on its business.
Chuck E. Cheese emerged from bankruptcy in December 2020 after ownership was passed to its creditors, including investment firms Monarch Alternative Capital and Redan Advisors, who agreed to eliminate $705 million in debt from its balance sheet.
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The corporate and its franchisees operate nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese locations and over 120 Peter Piper Pizza locations globally. It also owns virtual kitchen concept Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings.
