Next Generation whittles down suitors

HEALTH club owner Next Generation has whittled its suitors down to Whitbread, Esporta and property firm London & Regional, with bids around £200 million (€288.1 million), according to sources close to the auction.

“It’s too early to say when there will be a decision, but bidding is around the £200m mark,” said one source involved in the negotiations.

Two other sources close to the auction said a deal to buy the chain of 12 country club-style venues was “imminent”.