The six Early Learning Centre shops trading in Dublin and provincial cities are among the loss-making chain of children's shops going on sale within 18 months.

John Menzies has not put a value on its overall business but is believed to be unwilling to sell for less than it s asset value of £30 million sterling. The management of ELC is known to be interested in a buyout. The company says it will be back in profit this year and a sale will take place in the next 12 to 18 months.