News: Will Chase holds the chips as suitors vie for Tyrrells

Will Chase, the potato farmer who had a public spat with Tesco, could be about to reap a multi-million pounds fortune from the sale of a stake in his upmarket Tyrrells Crisps business in a deal that is likely to value the company at more than £20m.

Mr Chase has appointed corporate financiers at BDO Stoy Hayward to carry out a strategic review of Tyrrells Crisps after receiving a number of unsolicited approaches for the company.

It is understood first-round proposals from a small group of private equity firms were due in last week and meetings with those taken through to next round will take place over the next few weeks.

Although Tyrrells Crisps is talking to potential outside investors, it is understood Mr Chase has no plans to exit the business.