Bain and TPG are among several private equity firms weighing approaches for Yahoo’s core internet business after the Silicon Valley group announced it was exploring options for the unit.

Ken Goldman, Yahoo's chief financial officer, said "a number of private equity firms" had expressed interest but none had yet made a formal offer.

Two people familiar with the matter said that the firms’ interest in the troubled tech company was preliminary.

Verizon has also voiced interest in a potential deal and AT&T and IAC are also believed to be examining the company.

Marissa Mayer, Yahoo's chief executive, on Tuesday announced several measures aimed at lifting the fortunes of the company, including laying off 15 per cent of its workforce.

The decision to consider approaches for its core business came after pressure from activist investors, who wanted a sale.Yahoo has been trying to grow mobile search and video but sales have fallen for desktop search ads. - (Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016)