Steve Francis expressed concern on how the new owners would fund the business.

Embattled chain Patisserie Valerie is facing a new challenge, as its former chief executive launched a lawsuit against the café chain’s new owners.

The Times reported that Steve Francis accused Causeway Capital Partners of being “inexperienced” and expressed concerned about how the latter would fund the business.

Earlier media reports indicated that Francis, along with Rhys Iley, were dismissed by the company last month.