The owner of electronics retailer Maplin is in talks with UK-based turnaround specialist Rutland Partners to sell the group, according to reports.

Private equity firm Montagu Private Equity is thought to be close to agreeing a deal with Rutland worth approximately £80 million.

Maplin employs roughly 2,000 people across 200 stores and an ecommerce site. If the deal goes ahead, Maplin will join Pizza Hut and food company Bernard Matthews in Rutland’s portfolio.