The private equity owner of the company, Electra Partners Europe, confirmed that it had appointed KPMG to "sound out" potential buyers.

According to a report in The Times, offers could be submitted by June. A spokeswoman for Electra would not confirm a timescale for the sale.

"Electra believes now is the right time to sell but only if it is the right deal in the interests of shareholders," she said. She wouldn't confirm the price tag of 100m.

Bezier has a turnover of almost 50m and a 500-strong workforce over five sites in Wakefield, Bristol, Poole, Marlow and London. Its customers include Boots, Asda and First Choice.

Story by Philip Chadwick