The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Nov. 19, edition that MTY Food Group's decision to explore a sale should attract private equity players hungry for its steady franchise royalty revenues, but its wide smorgasbord of banners might scare away some buyers, analysts say. The Globe's Nicolas Van Praet writes that MTY confirmed it has hired a financial adviser to begin a formal review process with the aim of boosting shareholder returns. A range of options are being considered, including the sale of all or part of MTY as well as pushing on with management's current business plan. MTY's market capitalization now stands at about $808-million. Since 1983, MTY has ballooned to more than 80 banners at 7,000 different locations in Canada, the United States and abroad. It makes most of its profit from franchising fees and royalties and also operates a smaller number of its own corporate locations. Scotia Capital analyst John Zamparo says the biggest barrier to MTY's sale might be complexity, owing to the sheer number of brands it controls. He says rival restaurant operators probably "wish to target a simpler portfolio," leaving a private equity player as the most likely acquirer.