04:10 PM EDT, 04/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Blackstone (BX) could announce a deal as soon as Thursday it is buying restaurant franchiser Tropical Smoothie Cafe from current private-equity owners Levine Leichtman Capital Partners for nearly $2 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.

Levine Leichtman acquired Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie through a management-led buyout in September 2020, according to the respective companies' websites.

Blackstone and Levine Leichtman did not immediately respond to requests for comment by MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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