At least three bidders have submitted offers for Archant ahead of a planned decision on the future of the regional publisher, it has been claimed.

Sky News has named both Newsquest and former Local World boss David Montgomery’s National World investment vehicle as potential investors which have made bids for the company.

In the case of National World, the bid is said to have been jointly tabled with investment firm Endless.

At least one private equity fund is also said to have submitted an offer, Sky has reported.

Archant’s Norwich headquarters

Archant’s advisers at the accountancy firm KPMG are preparing to reach a decision “in the coming days” about a sale of the business.

Citing “insiders”, Sky says a takeover of Archant is expected to see the company enter administration before being immediately sold to new owners.

An Archant spokesman told HTFP:  “Archant can confirm it is currently talking to a number of potential investors which will enable it to strengthen the organisation as it continues to transform and grow and it remains a very viable business.”

HTFP has approached National World, while a Newsquest spokesman said: “We don’t comment on market speculation.”