Blacks Leisure has said it has received a preliminary approach for the retail group.

The group said that is had received approaches which are currently in an early stage and may or may or may not lead to an offer for the business.

It added: “There can be no certainty that an offer will be made nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Last year Blacks tried to sell its boardwear business but failed to find a buyer, it said that it would convert the stores to its Blacks and Millets fascia.

Last month Blacks announced that its underperforming boardwear division would impact its operating profits which it said would not meet market expectations.

Like for like sales took a tumble in the 6 weeks to January 3 falling 3.9 per cent.