Pinewood Studios’ main backer is among the suitors vying to buy Village Hotels, one of Britain’s biggest mid-sized hotel chains.
Sky News understands that Aermont, which specializes in property-backed investments, submitted an offer last week for Village Hotels, which is owned by KSL Capital Partners.
City sources said KSL was seeking bids worth £850m or more.
Several other parties also submitted proposals before the deadline last week.
Blackstone, the giant private equity firm, is considering making an offer but has not yet made one, according to insiders.
The auction is being managed by Morgan Stanley bankers.
It comes months after attempts to sell Center Parcs UK were called off, while a mooted sale of Travelodge has so far failed to result in a deal.
Village Hotels comprises a portfolio of over 30 properties from Aberdeen to Bournemouth, with rooms available at affordable prices.
Founded in 1995 as Village Urban Resorts, the hotels offer pub-style restaurants and gyms.
It was reported that KSL paid £485m for the business when it bought it in 2014 from De Vere Group.
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The Denver, Colorado-based buyout firm has also owned other hotel chains in the United Kingdom, including Hotel du Vin and Malmaison.
Aermont and Blackstone declined to comment.
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