Sky News reported earlier today that Paris-based private equity firm PAI Partners is the current frontrunner in the race to acquire UK-based R&R Ice Cream from US investment firm Oaktree Capital Management.
The deal could be worth more than £700m ($1.1bn, €811m), the Sky News report added.
According to the Financial Times, Oaktree Capital is likely to be looking a deal closer to the €1bn ($1.3bn, £865m) mark.
As well as producing ice cream for the likes of Asda, Tesco, and French retailer Carrefour, Yorkshire-based R&R Ice Cream manufactures a number of well-known brands including Fab, Kelly’s Cornish ice cream, and Skinny Cow.
DairyReporter.com approached R&R Ice Cream regarding the takeover rumours.
“We decline to comment,” said a spokesperson for R&R Ice Cream.
The London offices of Oaktree Capital Management, and PAI Partners were also contacted, but no reply was received from either prior to publication.