Newspaper sources have reported that the private equity owners of pet food firm MPM, the producer of leading brand Applaws, has appointed advisors to find a buyer.

ECI Partners bought a majority stake in MPM in 2016 and it’s being reported that they have instructed bankers from Harris Williams to help in the process of selling the company next year for more than £100million – double what they paid for their stake.

Company accounts reveal that revenues grew by 19% in 2017 to £53million. Profits were about £4million.

MPM was founded in 2002  and owns brands like Applaws, Encore, Reveal and Nature's Calling.