Christchurch-based Macpac, a brand specialising in outdoor recreational equipment and 58 per cent owned by Jan Cameron who founded Kathmandu in partnership in 1987, is allegedly on offer.

According to the Australian Financial Review, financial analysts have determined that Macpac should go for about $75 million before ebitda of around $10.73 million.

Briscoe Group and The Warehouse Group, amid several private equity companies on both sides of the Tasman, have been cited as potential bidders, although both retailers have not confirmed speculation.

Rod Duke, who owns 80 per cent of Briscoe homeware and Rebel Sports stores, saw his takeover bid for Kathmandu stall and finally peter out earlier this year.

Even though Macpac, which has 43 stores in NZ And Australia, boasts a good financial track record over the past couple of years, interested bidders are wary of the less than buoyant and very competitive adventure-wear sector.