The Yorkshire household behind the Portakabin modular buildings group is in talks to promote the corporate to a French investor in a deal that may catapult them into the ranks of Britain's super-rich.

Sky News has learnt that Shepherd Group, which was based in 1890 by Frederick Shepherd, is in unique talks to promote the Portakabin enterprise to Antin Infrastructure Partners.

Sources within the non-public fairness business stated that Antin was "serious" about finishing a deal, though it was unclear whether or not a transaction would in the end be concluded.

The two sides are stated to be in discussions a couple of worth of greater than £1.5bn.

Shepherd Group, which is predicated in York, drafted in bankers from Rothschild to launch a course of throughout the summer time.

The firm invented the Portaloo bathroom items now extensively used at festivals and sporting occasions, and Portakabin was shaped as a standalone enterprise in 1961.

A rival firm known as Modulaire was acquired by Brookfield from TDR Capital in 2021 for about $5bn, underlining investor curiosity within the sector.

Portakabin operates in seven nations and employs about 2,200 individuals, in keeping with its web site.

Other events which expressed an curiosity or submitted gives are stated to have included EQT and KKR.

Spokesmen for Shepherd Group and Antin each declined to touch upon Friday.