According to the The Times, RAM is leading in the £100 million auction.

However, Reuters has reported that there was interest in the auction from Phoenix Equity Partners-backed Nationwide Autos, PAI Partners-controlled Kwik-Fit and Graphite Capital-supported Micheldever Tyre Services.

Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone Corp. narrowly missed out on a bid to purchase Kwik-Fit two years ago. Bridgestone representatives continue to be silent on the deal, explaining that their policy is not to comment on speculation. However, Michelin already owns the UK’s largest tyre retail equity, Goodyear Dunlop has put all its efforts into developing its HiQ franchise and Continental is unlikely to about face and re-buy the company it sold as a loss-making business in 2002 – leaving only Bridgestone as a likely contender.