The majority shareholders of Lowe Alpine, which makes outdoor clothing and equipment, is considering whether to sell the company. Lowe Alpine employs 250 people in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The company confirmed that Coopers & Lybrand has been appointed to evaluate the options of the business, said to be worth more than £35 million. The company was founded in the US in the 1960s, by Mr Greg Lowe, a well-known mountaineer.

The Irish operation is its only manufacturing base and has been located in Tullamore since 1978. It distributes its products worldwide. Its US base is a sales, marketing and product sourcing operation.

Lowe's managing director in Ireland, Mr Laurie Grey, told The Irish Times that it was the fifth anniversary of a management buyout by Phildrew Ventures, the private equity arm of UBS. It took control in a deal worth more than £14 million.

Mr Grey said it was normal to review the situation after five years. He said Coopers & Lybrand had been appointed to carry out the review. "There are a number of options," he said. "Selling the company is one of them, but there are others, including a public flotation or just retaining the company." The company's move into outdoor clothing is reported to have been a major growth factor over the years.

The company's sales to March last year were £27 million and it had operating profits of £2.5 million. The company's accounts to March last are currently being audited.