-- Private equity major Blackstone (NYSE: BX ) is close to a $8 billion deal for privately held sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s Subs, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

The $8 billion figure includes debt, the WSJ report said, and comes as Blackstone engaged in on-and-off talks over a potential deal earlier this year. A deal could be announced soon.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has about 3,500 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and employs over 19,000 people.