Meanwhile, openings continue, including the launch of the firstunit in Mexico. "Those planned openings such as Mexico would not beaffected," by a sale, Ritter said.

Sydney-based Pacific Equity Partners acquired the chain fromWorldwide Restaurant Concepts and took it private in 2005. "TheSizzler team has completed a fantastic journey since the buyout ofWorldwide Restaurant Concepts," said Pacific Equity Partnersmanaging director Rob Koczkar in a press release. "It hasreinvigorated company properties and operations and greatlyimproved profitability, while reigniting the franchise communityand mapping a new path for the brand. With such a strong foundationnow in place, Sizzler can be better guided by a partner with moreexperience and presence in the US market." Sizzler owns orfranchises more than 300 restaurants in 17 U.S. states and PuertoRico, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and China.