The auction of Burger King restaurant chain starts in earnest today.
Prospective buyers will deliver initial bids for the 11,400 branches.
The winner, expected to pay $2bn-$3bn (£1.4bn-£2bn) will own a chain with outlets in 57 countries, including the UK.
Texas Pacific Group is thought to have linked with Goldman Sachs to make an offer.
Blackstone, Bain Capital, Thomas H Lee, The Cypress Group and Madison Dearborn are also expected to show interest.
Financial Times 26/04/02 page 21
