Herefordshire garden centre chain Wyevale could be on the market again - just months after its embattled board failed to find a buyer.

Bankers for Wyevale have been asked to commence talks with possible purchasers of the business, which went through a bitter battle for control last year. Former chairman David Williams sought a buyer to acquire the company last autumn as part of his failed efforts to fend off activist investment group Laxey Partners.

But talks with private equity groups, thought to be Bridgepoint and Cinven, came to nought, and Mr Williams resigned before the EGM in December.

His replacement Jim Hodkinson has begun a sell off of 31 of the smaller sites in the estate while moving part of the firm's HQ to London.

Reports yesterday confirmed that bankers, led by Rothschild, were talking to suitors with Bridgepoint and Cinven back in the frame.