DFS could be sold within days

Sofa retailer DFS is on the verge of being sold for more than £500million before the end of next week.

Private equity houses Cinven, Permira and Advent International are in the race to acquire the retailer, according to The Independent.

Final bids are due by March 17.

According to The Independent, outgoing Debenhams chairman John Lovering is thought to be advising Permira on its bid, while the department store’s chief executive Rob Templeman is thought to be linked with Cinven.

The retailer has 78 stores around the UK.