Jan 27 (Reuters) - Food processing equipment maker

Middleby ( MIDD ) said on Monday that its board is considering a

broad range of strategic options including a potential

separation of either or both of its food processing and

residential kitchen business units.

Middleby ( MIDD ) said the strategic review, which started last year,

is in advanced stages and the company expects to reach a

conclusion within the next few months.

"The Board and management team believe that there is

unrealized value in the Company's business portfolio and have

been evaluating a wide range of options and the optimal timing

to unlock that value," Middleby ( MIDD ) said.

The Elgin, Illinois-based company, which holds a market

value of $9.13 billion, develops and manufactures a broad line

of products used in commercial food service, food processing,

and residential kitchens.