Lord Norman Foster is considering his options regarding the sale of his internationally renowned architectural business Foster + Partners, it has been reported. While no definite decision has been made, it has been said by an unidentified source that Lord Foster has told a small number of senior staff that he is looking into outside funding for the company’s expansion plans, to reach 20 to 30 offices worldwide.

The 71 year old award winning architect has not yet decided whether to sell any percentage of his 80% stake, and reportedly intends to remain involved in the business whether or not he retains control. His continued involvement is thought to be a condition of any possible sale, as his brand and personal reputation is said to command extra fees on some projects.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Lord Foster was being advised by boutique London corporate finance firm Catalyst Investment, and that potential sale figures were estimated at between £300m and £500m, although some City observers have questioned the appetite for such a large sale. The last filed accounts for the year ended April 2005 showed pre-tax profits of £2.4m, from a turnover of £44.5m.

Foster + Partners have gained their reputation through such international landmarks as the Reichstag in Berlin, the Millau Viaduct and HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters, though UK projects like the Swiss Re Gherkin and the British Museum’s Great Court still account for 43% of their turnover.