Private equity company Alchemy Partners is close to agreeing a deal to acquire the UK’s second largest caravan park operator Parkdean Holidays.

Alchemy has made an offer of 270 pence per share for Parkdean, which values the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)-listed company at £135m.

The deal was made through PD Parks, an investment vehicle created specifically for the deal.

Graham Wilson, chair of Parkdean, said: ”I believe Alchemy’s offer is an excellent result for our shareholders and will be backed by the directors.”

Parkdean joined the AIM in 2002 and was initially valued at 100p a share. Since joining, the operator has expanded its portfolio of caravan parks from 12 to 20, mainly through acquisitions.

In January, Parkdean reported flatlining pre-tax profits for the year ending 31 October 2005, recording profits of £9.18m for the year – marginally ahead of £9.05m in 2004.