Slicing off pizzas

EMBATTLED franchise operator Retail Food Group is looking to sell its Crust pizza chain. The group, which also owns Michel’s Patisserie, Gloria Jeans, Brumby’s Bakery and Donut King, yesterday said it is looking to sell assets in order to lower a $260 million debt pile. The listed franchise giant entered a trading halt yesterday morning after media reports of the Crust Gourmet Pizzas sale. Shares in the group had surged by more than 20 per cent in early trade ahead of it going into a trading halt.