Focus DIY, one of the UK's largest DIY retailers, has been put up for sale by its private equity owners following a strategic review by Rothschild.

According to the Daily Telegraph, owners Apax Partners and Duke Street Capital sent out detailed financial information to potential buyers last Thursday. Both private equity groups and trade buyers are thought to be interested.

The paper added that founder and chairman Bill Archer may be among the bidders. Archer, who founded the company in 1987, is thought to have held talks with Cerberus Capital Management over a potential offer. The Telegraph also named the Ireland-based builders merchant Grafton as a potential bidder. 

Focus DIY appointed Rothschild to undertake a strategic review in January after failing to reach an agreement with bondholders over debt restructuring. The company has senior debts of around £180m and mezzanine bond debts of around £100m.

For the twelve months to October 2006, Focus reported EBITDA (before exceptional items) of £42.7m.