Greencore had “no comment” to make last night on reports that the Irish company is in talks with a US private equity firm about a takeover of the company.

Greencore has been approached by US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier Rice (CD R), a firm with extensive interests in the food sector, according to reports. Former Tesco boss Terry Leahy is an adviser to the company, which, according to reports, is prepared to pay a premium for Greencore.

Greencore announced less than two weeks ago that it had received a preliminary takeover approach.

The Irish company is finalising its takeover of British sandwich and dessert maker Uniq, following a failed merger with British rival Northern Foods earlier this year.