The value of Pret a Manger's sale could approach GBP 400m (EUR 531m) under the terms of an earnout agreement, The Times reported. The report did not cite a source for the information but said the London-based sandwich chain's co-founders, Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe, are likely to pick up a minimum of GBP 50m from the deal. The item reported that an announcement could be made today (22 February) that the private-equity house Bridgepoint Capital is paying GBP 350m for Pret a Manger, which is 33% owned by Illinois-based fast-food chain McDonald's.The earnout proposal would see Beecham and Metcalfe retain approximately GBP 50m in the business and entitle them to take home approximately the same amount, subject to performance, the report said. It noted that the pair will, together with management, own a quarter stake in the company after it is sold. They had hoped to see a sale price of GBP 400m, the item said.Rothschild is handling the Pret auction, the item stated. It noted that Goldman Sachs is advising Bridgepoint, which has reportedly secured a line of financing worth GBP 175m from Rabobank