Lloyds Development Capital has held talks with Blacks Leisure over a potential acquisition, according to reports.

Lloyds TSB Development Capital (LDC) is the latest suitor to take interest in the struggling outdoor specialist according to The Independent. Lion Capital, the private equity firm which owns rival chain Cotswold Outdoor, as well as Go Outdoors, have also thought to have made an approach.

LDC recently entered the outdoor retailer market having acquired a 23% stake in 110-store Mountain Warehouse in September.

Several takeover bids have materialised since Blacks was brought back from the brink of collapse last year. In its latest half year results Blacks has reduced operating losses to £7.1m in the 26 weeks to August 28, compared with £8.7m in the comparable period.