The potential sale of United Biscuits is again under the spotlight, after rumours surfaced about foreign interest from a private equity firm.

Hony Capital, a Chinese private equity firm, has been examining a bid for the biscuit manufacturer, according to Bloomberg, which also reported it may be teaming up with a corporate buyer.

The firm is said to have held informal talks with United Biscuits’ owners’ Blackstone Group and PAI Partners.

In August 2012, United Biscuits announced it sold its snacks business, which was renamed KP Snacks, to German manufacturer Intersnack. 

United Biscuits declined to comment on these reports.