Sky News understands Superbike Factory, which was founded in 2010 in Cheshire, is working with Interpath Advisory on strategic options that could lead to the company changing hands.

Predominantly an online business, Superbike operates a specialist finance broking platform, and buys, sells and offers part-exchange to consumers and trade customers.

It stocks bikes made by major brands including Ducati, Honda and Kawasaki.

The company has been backed by Livingbridge, a mid-market private equity firm, since 2017.

It was founded by Scott Behrens, who remains its chief executive and is understood to own a stake.

The identity of Superbike's suitors was unclear on Monday, although one source close to the process said they anticipated that a buyer would emerge from the industry.

Currently profitable, Superbike saw a sharp dip in sales during the pandemic but has since rebounded strongly.

In addition to its online presence, it has physical sites in locations such as Donington Park, one of Britain's premier motorsport venues.

Interpath and Livingbridge both declined to comment.