No funny business: Jongleurs seeks new investors

Jongleurs, the comedy venue group that brought through stand-up acts such as Eddie Izzard and Peter Kay, is to go public as it looks to convince the City that after a torrid few years, its expansion plans are no joke. The group confirmed yesterday it was seeking to raise funds in a pre-initial public offering as it looks to resurrect the company's fortunes after regaining control of the brand two years ago.

The company's adviser, Webb Capital, is currently sounding out several private investors to raise £500,000 initially before an IPO within 19 months. Chief executive and founder Maria Kempinska said: "We need to work with someone who understands our potential."