Bidding begins at Next Generation

Next Generation, which operates the Harbour Club in Chelsea, has confirmed that it has received several expressions of interest in buying the health club chain from potential bidders.

A spokesperson for the group said that it had received more than 40 initial approaches, but had not yet entered active discussions with any party.

Recent speculation has named Esporta, Whitbread, Cinven, Blackstone and property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz as potential buyers.

Next Generation is expected to sell for £150m, with adviser UBS considering splitting the chain into an operating company and a property group.