A number of private investment companies have registered an interest in buying American Golf.
The Warrington-based retail chain, which has 83 stores across Britain and the Republic of Ireland, sells a large range of golf equipment from clubs and balls to shoes and clothing.
The company was put up for sale in May by Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) which is said to be looking for £80m. American Golf was the subject of a management buyout in 2004 which was backed by LDC.
According to a report by the Independent newspaper, Bridgepoint Development Capital, owner of clothing brand Fat Face, Pret A Manger and Leeds Bradford International Airport, is one of the interested parties.
Improving finances and growing interest in golf thanks to recent British and Irish wins is sure to have helped create additional interest in the sale. The Independent said like-for-like sales for the three months to May 1 were up 13.9 per cent.
