Patchi chocolatiers plan float

Patchi, the family-owned Lebanese chocolate chain, is planning stock listings in Dubai and London to help fund its global expansion, which could include a line of cafés in addition to its chocolate shops.

The group, which is wholly owned by Nizar Choucair, its founder and chairman, has hired financial advisers for a primary listing in Dubai and a secondary listing in London. Up to 49 per cent of the company would be floated.

A listing had been delayed by the recession, said Mazin Obeidi, executive general manager of Patchi.