A trio of buyout corporations have been shortlisted to purchase a stake within the UK operations of Grant Thornton, one in every of Britain’s six largest accountancy corporations.
Different contenders, together with Permira and Carlyle are mentioned to not be in competition, though insiders cautioned that the checklist was topic to alter.
Grant Thornton has round 200 UK fairness companions, who may have a say on the deal.
The agency has improved its monetary efficiency following a turbulent interval for its management, with a £1.3m fantastic being imposed for “serious failings” in 2022 in relation to its audit of Sports activities Direct, the sportswear empire based by Mike Ashley and now referred to as Frasers Group.
It was additionally handed a £2.3m penalty the yr earlier than for demonstrating a “serious lack of competence” in relation to its work on Patisserie Holdings, the proprietor of the collapsed cafe chain Patisserie Valerie.
Since then, Grant Thornton has slashed the variety of so-called public curiosity entity (PIEs) audit purchasers, a class which incorporates banks, insurers and different firms deemed to be of specific significance.
A spokesperson for Grant Thornton UK LLP mentioned: “As all companies do, we frequently consider the exterior enterprise and financial panorama and discover numerous avenues that may drive progress for our agency.
“This permits us to make knowledgeable selections about what’s finest for our folks, our purchasers, and our agency.
“No decisions have been made and, whilst we are considering our options, we will not be commenting further.”
Cinven, EQT and Permira declined to remark.
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