Industrial holding group IWP International has been tipped as a possible suitor for Jeyes Group. The British-based household hygiene firm, which manufactures the well-known Jeyes fluid, said yesterday that it was in talks which could lead to an offer being made for the company.

Market sources say IWP and British household goods firm McBride are likely suitors for Jeyes, which reported pre-tax profits of £2.4 million sterling (£2.8 million) last year. This was up from £1.8 million the year before but turnover fell to £107 million from £113 million.

Jeyes made the announcement in light of the recent rise in its share price.

With interest cover of eight times, IWP is well placed to finance an acquisition.