Sept 25 (Reuters) - Activist hedge fund Irenic Capital

Management is trying to drum up interest in a take-private deal

for Upper Crust owner SSP Group ( SSPPF ) after boosting its

stake in the food-to-go operator, the Financial Times reported

on Thursday.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Irenic Capital Management declined to comment, while SSP

Group ( SSPPF ) did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for

comment.

The New York-based hedge fund is encouraging private equity

groups to launch takeover bids for the London-listed company,

arguing that SSP could be valued at a 50% premium to its market

value in a take-private deal, the newspaper reported, citing a

pitch deck.

The fund points to SSP's predictable revenues, its capacity

to grow in U.S. airports and its ability to generate capital

through the sale of non-core assets, including its stake in a

listed Indian joint venture, the report said.

The fund has shared materials about the merits of a

leveraged buyout with investment bankers and private capital

firms in recent weeks, the report added.

SSP Group ( SSPPF ) is an operator of food and beverage outlets in

travel locations, specialising in designing, creating, and

operating a range of food and drink outlets in airports, train

stations, and other travel hubs.

Irenic owns roughly 3% of SSP's stock, the report said.