Reports over the weekend have stirred up talk that private equity firm Terra Firma is considering selling the 153-strong Wyevale Garden Centre chain, with city sources suggesting an auction is on the cards
A story in the Sunday Times on February 14 reported that Terra Firma owner Guy Hands is considering selling Wyevale Garden Centres for about £700m.

Mr Hands is said to have received takeover approaches and, according to city sources, has held talks with a number of advisers, including Goldman Sachs, about launching an auction.

Terra Firma bought Wyevale for £276m in 2012 and has since been hot on the acquisition trail, adding 30 new centres to the chain. The latest additions to the Wyevale portfolio, include Woodcote Green Garden Centre in Surrey and Crowders Garden Centre in Lincolshire.