Increased interest heightens competition.

Global private equity firm Blackstone has emerged as a potential suitor for The Good Guys, and remains a potential buyer for the Masters and the Home Timber and Hardware businesses from Woolworths, according to a report in The Australian.

Sources say executives at the private equity firm expressed their interest in an acquisition before the sales process was launched.

TGG

Rival buyout firm Bain Capital is no longer thought to be in contention for the network of 100 stores, half of which are owned by chairman Andrew Muir and his family.

Despite private equity interest, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman or South Africa’s Steinhoff, are tipped to be the likely buyers by analysts.