The owner of Bathstore is in exclusive talks to take control of restaurant chain Pizza Hut, it was reported yesterday.

Leeds-based turnaround specialist Endless is said to be in discussions with Yum Brands, the US owner of Pizza Hut, over a franchise deal for the 340-strong restaurant group. Endless is thought to be the last remaining bidder for Pizza Hut after two potential buyers pulled out.

Private equity firms Risk Capital Partners, run by former PizzaExpress owner Luke Johnson, and Rutland Partners had previously been on a three-strong shortlist of bidders.

Yum Brands, which also owns KFC and Taco Bell, put Pizza Hut up for sale earlier this year.

But the firm will retain the rights to the Pizza Hut brand and is not including the pizza delivery service in the deal.