Sky News has learned that AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN), which has a market capitalisation of nearly $7 billion (£5.5 billion), is among the suitors circling the business since Inchcape plc (LSE:INCH) confirmed in January it was conducting a strategic review. AutoNation is said to be at the early stages of considering an offer and may yet not decide to proceed with one, according to industry sources. If it does go ahead, it would represent a first step into the UK for AutoNation after it withdrew six months ago from a bidding war for Pendragon, another London-listed car dealer.

A deal could be worth in the region of £350 million, insiders said. AutoNation failed to respond to several emailed and telephoned requests for comment. The Inchcape UK division consists of 70 sites, employing 3,700 people, and works with car manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Toyota and Volkswagen.