CVC Capital Partners, the group which owns Kwik-Fit, has refused to comment on speculation that the fast-fit giant is up for potential sale or flotation.

Sources in The Sunday Times say Kwik-Fit could be sold for more than £700 million, making it worth more than double the £330 million CVC paid for it in August 2002.

Industry experts say advisers are expected to be appointed within the next few weeks and it is thought that CVC will invest the cash made from Kwik-Fit in other opportunities.