YORKSHIRE based furniture retailer DFS is reported to be eyeing up a listing on the London stock market which would value the firm at £1 billion.
DFS, which opened its first York store at Clifton Moor in September last year, was sold in 2010 by founder Lord Kirkham to private equity firm Advent International for £500 million.
The Doncaster-based company is now said to have appointed Hargreaves Lansdown to co-ordinate the offering, which could see the retailer raise more than £100 million from flotation.
In its last full accounts, for the year ending August 2, 2014, DFS reported a rise in sales from £804.3 million, with the group announcing in December that sales, including from acquisitions, were up 15.3 per cent to £197 million for the quarter that ended November 1.
The business acquired upmarket furniture retailer Dwell in August and said its new brand partnerships were performing well, strengthening its appeal to more aspirational customers.
The firm's float would be the first high-profile listing of a retailer this year.
The Clifton Moor DFS, featuring a 15,000sq ft showroom, was the firm's 101st store opening, bringing eight new jobs to the city.
Its arrival was part of a £19 million extension at Clifton Moor which also saw the arrival of Oak Furniture Land and Scandinavian brand JYSK.
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