LJ Hooker's advisers Lazard might not be letting any local real estate agencies into the data room, but market sources say the company has been widely sought after by such groups before the sales process began.
In fact, there are suggestions that it was not just the business of high-profile agent John McGrath, of McGrath Estate Agents, that sounded out interest in striking a deal some time back, but also Century 21 and Ray White.
Offshore groups like US-based real estate chain Realogy are thought to be among the types of suitors running the numbers on the business. Realogy is the parent company of Century 21, ERA, Coldwell Banker and Sotheby’s International.
Other suitors suggested have been those linked to the financial services industry, looking to add to their offering, potentially a group like Mortgage Choice. Private equity is also taking a look, with Pacific Equity Partners seen as a logical candidate.