Speculation is rife that DIY chain Focus Wickes could be put up for sale.
The company, the UK’s second biggest DIY group after B&Q, has asked Goldman Sachs to examine options for the business, which it is thought could be worth more than £1.5bn.
A spokesperson for Focus Wickes said: “The company is looking strategically at how to build on the success of the business. It will be looking at how it can move forward in the interests of its shareholders. There are a number of options.”
A report in the Sunday Times suggested Focus Wickes owners Duke Street Capital and Apax want a return on their investments. A £1.1bn flotation bid was made in 2002 but failed due to market conditions.
The report said the owners may consider splitting Focus Wickes by selling off the trade-oriented Wickes stores, or selling to a big US chain such as Home Depot.
