The story of iShares' sale is far from over. In the wake of a deal inked last month that would transfer ownership of iShares from Barclays to CVC Partners, iShares has attracted new bids, according to media reports. BC Partners, Apax and Hellman & Friedman have submitted bids that were higher than CVC's $3 billion offer, according to the Independent.

The Times, meanwhile, also named BC Partners and Apax as firms that "could be interested in the fund manager," and added Bain Capital to the list.

Barclays last month agreed to sell iShares to CVC. Under the terms of the agreement, Barclays is entitled to a 45-day go-shop period in which it can solicit other offers for iShares.

A Barclays spokesman told Reuters on Sunday that there had been "tremendous" interest in iShares stemming from "both strategic and private equity" since Barclays agreed to sell the business to CVC on April 9.

The spokesman said it was "way to early to speculate if there will be a better offer and from whom."  

Edited by: Armie Margaret Lee


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