Greencoat Capital LLP is leading the race to acquire Toucan Energy Services Limited, a large solar farm operator that collapsed a year ago, according to reports. The infrastructure unit has become the leading contender to acquire Toucan, Sky News first reported, although it is unclear whether talks are exclusive. Other parties which had expressed interest include UK infrastructure investor GLIL and Hong Kong giant CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited (SEHK:1038).

Toucan, one of Britain?s largest solar farm operators, fell into administration a year ago amid a scandal that forced the leader of Thurrock council in Essex to resign. The unit runs Greencoat UK Wind and Greencoat Renewables, two of the largest listed investment companies in Britain?s renewable energy infrastructure sector. It is unclear whether the vehicles would play a part in any Toucan deal. Schroders declined to comment.