Drinks and snacks group C&C is expected shortly to appoint formally IBI Corporate Finance and Davy Stockbrokers to advise on a flotation.The firm is also preparing to name Goldman Sachs and Citigroup Smith Barney as co-ordinators of a flotation.
All four advisory firms were involved in C&C's failed flotation attempt in 2002. Their imminent reappointment would suggest that C&C could be eyeing a float before the end of the first half of this year.
Market observers have however described this timeframe as "ambitious".
A company spokesman declined to comment on its plans yesterday, aside from reiterating C&C's commitment to flotation as "the preferred option".
The firm is unlikely to comment publicly on its intentions until its 2003 results are published some two months from now.
The appointment of advisers would allow C&C to give indirect signals on its commitment to an initial public offering.
It would also deflect attention from reports that venture capital firm BC Partners, which owns 90 per cent of C&C, has been talking to possible suitors - most likely other venture capital firms - about a straight sale of its stake, rather than an IPO.
